West Cheshire Expands itravel On-Demand Bus Service to More Villages
West Cheshire and Chester Council has confirmed the continuation and expansion of the itravel on-demand bus service beyond July 2026. The flexible transport model, which launched in 2023 to serve Frodsham and Helsby, will now extend its reach into several additional rural communities across the borough.
Initially funded by a £1.075 million grant from the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund, the service addresses the lack of traditional fixed-route buses in isolated areas. The upcoming phase of the project will transition to funding from the Bus Services Fund and the new Mayoral Transport Fund for Cheshire and Warrington.
Diamond Bus to Lead itravel Operations from July
A competitive tender process has concluded with the appointment of Diamond Bus, part of the Rotala Group, as the new operator. The contract is set to begin on 31 July 2026 and will run for an initial two-year period. While the operator is changing, existing users will not be required to re-register for the service, though a new call centre telephone number will be introduced.
| Service Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Contract Start | 31 July 2026 |
| Operating Days | Monday to Friday |
| New Operator | Diamond Bus (Rotala Group) |
| Fleet Capacity | Three vehicles |
| Funding Sources | Mayoral Transport Fund, Bus Services Fund |
The itravel on-demand bus service utilizes a booking system provided by Padam, allowing passengers to request journeys to town centres, medical facilities, and railway stations. The flexible nature of the service supports commuting, education access, and essential shopping trips for residents who lack private transport.
Expansion Areas and Increased Service Capacity
The service will maintain its current operating zone while deploying three vehicles to increase capacity. This fleet expansion allows the service to reach rural villages that were previously outside the trial boundaries.
Areas identified for potential expansion include:
* Barrow and Dunham-on-the-Hill
* Mickle Trafford, Picton, and Stoak
* Acton Bridge, Marton, and Whitegate
* Kelsall, Willington, and Little Leigh
Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, noted that the service has become a lifeline for rural residents. Shore stated that the investment is designed to reduce isolation and support the long-term ambition for a sustainable transport network across West Cheshire. The potential for a future Saturday service remains under review, contingent on funding and passenger income generation.
To book the itravel service, residents can use the itravel app, visit the booking website, or contact the service at 0330 6781545.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the West Cheshire itravel on-demand bus service actually work?
Unlike traditional buses with fixed routes and timetables, itravel is a flexible, ‘demand-responsive’ service. Think of it as a shared taxi that you book in advance. You request a pickup via an app or phone call, and the bus picks you up from a safe point near your location to take you to key hubs like medical centers, railway stations, or town centers within the designated rural zones.
How do I book a ride and do I need to register for the new 2026 service?
You can book your journey using the itravel app (powered by Padam) or by calling the dedicated booking line. Crucially, if you are an existing user, you do not need to re-register when Diamond Bus takes over on July 31, 2026. Your account details will remain valid, though you should save the new call center number which will be published on the hiyastar.co.uk site and council portals closer to the launch date.
Who will benefit most from the expansion into more rural villages?
The expansion specifically targets residents in isolated communities surrounding Frodsham and Helsby who lack access to private vehicles or traditional bus routes. By increasing the fleet to three vehicles, the service offers more frequent slots for students commuting to college, patients attending GP appointments, and workers needing reliable transport to local rail stations for onward travel to Chester or Manchester.
What should I do to prepare for the change in operators this July?
To ensure a smooth transition, continue using the current app as normal. Prior to July 31, 2026, check the Cheshire West and Chester Council transport page for the updated service map to see if your specific village has been added to the new boundaries. Since the service is now backed by the Mayoral Transport Fund, keep an eye out for further announcements regarding potential fare changes or extended operating hours later in the year.
Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council
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