West Berkshire on-demand village bus travel launched

Passengers can book journeys through a website, phone, or via an app (pictured)

A new on-demand transport service has launched to give villagers "more control" over their bus journeys.

Community Connect has launched in the Downland area of West Berkshire.

Passengers can book journeys through a website, app, or by phone.

Denise Gaines, head of highways at West Berkshire Council, said it meant passengers did not have to rely on bus timetables "aligning with the demands of today's fast-paced lifestyle".

The service has replaced the timetabled 5/5a/5c service, though a morning and afternoon timetabled journey will remain "to ensure seamless commuter, school, and college journeys", the council said.

It will operate on Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 19:00.

'User-centric travel'

Ms Gaines said: "Buses are a vital lifeline for people who do not have access to other means of transport such as cars or trains and can assist in making sure communities are not cut off due to their rural setting."

She said the new service would give passengers "more control and say over their journey", and signified a "positive step to efficient and user-centric travel solutions".

She added: "I would encourage residents to use this new innovative service and explore the local area in an environmental, cost-effective way."

The council was awarded £2.6m by the Department of Transport to spend on improvements to local bus services.

Guy Opperman, minister for roads and local transport, said the "good people of West Berkshire deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system".

The Downlands Volunteer Group is also running its Downland Handebus, which is a door-to-door service to help those with mobility issues.