A new flexible, bookable bus service for rural communities has launched in and around Ulverston.
Westmorland and Furness Council has launched The Extra Mile – a digital demand responsive transport service.
It allows passengers to book journeys when they need them in areas where conventional bus services are limited or not viable.
Using an app or telephone booking service, passengers can request journeys within the operating area, and the system matches requests together to provide shared transport.
The service means the bus travels where and when journeys are needed, helping connect rural communities with nearby towns and services.
Westmorland and Furness Council said the service was funded through the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund.
The authority added that it was designed to help residents access employment, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities, providing greater flexibility for people who may not have access to regular public transport.
A second scheme for Penrith is due to start later this year.
Councillor Adrian Waite, cabinet member for environmental services and transport, said: “I am delighted that The Extra Mile is up and running.
“The flexibility of Digital Demand Responsive Transport has the potential to make a real difference to communities.
“It will help connect villages and rural communities with Ulverston and other key destinations, making it easier for people to access opportunities and services through public transport.
“I would encourage residents in the pilot area to download the app, take advantage of the free introductory period in the first two weeks and see what difference it can make.”
The area included in the Ulverston pilot scheme takes in the Furness peninsula down to Roa Island and Roose and from there an area roughly bordered by Stank, Newton-in-Furness, Askam, Kirkby, Foxfield, Duddon Bridge, Broughton Mills, Torver, Satterthwaite, Thwaite Head, Witherslack, Meathop, Grange and Flookburgh.
Passengers can book journeys through the app by selecting where they want to be picked up and their destination, and choosing either an arrive by or leave after time.
The system then offers a suitable journey and notifies passengers when the vehicle is on its way, and return journeys can also be booked.
The service is intended to connect rural communities with Ulverston and surrounding key destinations, but it will not be available for journeys entirely within Ulverston, where alternative public transport options already exist.
All journeys will be free during the first two weeks of operation, until Sunday August 2 2026. The service will operate between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Telephone booking will also be available between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday ensuring the service is accessible to those who may not wish to use the app.
