20 Jul 2026
A new demand-responsive bus service has launched in Westmorland and Furness, offering a fresh approach to tackling one of rural communities’ most persistent challenges – access to reliable public transport.
Developed by Westmorland and Furness Council, The Extra Mile is a Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) service that allows passengers to book journeys when they need them, rather than relying on fixed routes or timetables. Journeys can be booked via a mobile app or by telephone, with the system grouping requests to provide efficient shared transport.
The initiative, funded through the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund, launched in and around Ulverston on 20 July and is designed to connect surrounding villages with the town and other key destinations. A second pilot centred on Penrith is expected to follow later this year.
By providing transport that responds to passenger demand, the service aims to make it easier for residents to reach work, education, healthcare appointments, shops and leisure facilities, particularly in areas where conventional bus services are difficult to sustain.
To encourage residents to experience the service, all journeys are free until 2 August as part of an introductory offer.
The service operates 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, with telephone bookings available on weekdays to ensure it remains accessible for people who prefer not to use a smartphone.
As rural authorities continue to explore new ways of maintaining essential transport links, demand-responsive services are attracting increasing attention as a potential solution. By using technology to match passenger journeys in real time, schemes such as The Extra Mile could help improve connectivity, reduce isolation and provide a more sustainable alternative where traditional fixed-route bus services are no longer viable.
For rural communities, where transport can often be the difference between accessing employment, healthcare or simply staying connected, initiatives like this will be watched with interest by councils across the country.
Members interested in learning more, including the operating area and booking details, can visit the Westmorland and Furness Council website.
