DigiGo: Essex on-demand minibuses to be extended until 2026

The DigiGo team will continue operating the trial service until March 2026, it has been announced

People will be able to use on-demand minibuses for at least another two years, after a trial was extended.

DigiGo minibuses run in parts of Essex, with passengers booking their transport in advance or on demand via an app as there is no fixed timetable or route.

Buses will operate until at least March 2026, after being launched last year.

Essex County councillor Tom Cunningham said they offered a "crucial role in providing residents with convenient and flexible public transport options".

The Conservative cabinet member for highways added: "Rural and suburban areas now have a public transport service that better meets their needs.

"[It] is more available than traditional fixed services and enables them to access key services previously inaccessible."

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DigiGo, funded by the Department for Transport's Rural Mobility Fund, carried more than 11,600 passengers in its first year.

It could possibly be extended another two years beyond 2026, the council said.

Data from the pilot would also be considered in potentially rolling out the electric minibuses to other areas of the county.

The fleet covers the south Braintree and north-west Chelmsford areas.

In September the scheme was broadened to serve Great Dunmow, Stebbing, Great Sailing, Great Canfield and surrounding areas.

Bookings must be made and paid for on the TravelEssex app, which also allows passengers to track minibuses in real time and guarantee a seat.