On-demand buses arrive in Furness
A new on-demand bus service has begun operating in and around Ulverston, offering app and phone bookings for shared journeys across rural parts of the Furness peninsula. The pilot, branded The Extra Mile, is backed by the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund and aims to plug gaps where regular timetabled routes are limited or non-existent.
Westmorland and Furness Council says the service is intended to connect villages and smaller communities to Ulverston and other key destinations, rather than to replace existing options for trips wholly within Ulverston. As part of the launch, all rides are free until Sunday, 2 August.
“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,” said Cllr Adrian Waite, cabinet member for environmental services and transport at Westmorland and Furness Council. “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.”
How it works
The service uses digital demand responsive transport (DRT) technology to match individual bookings into efficient shared routes. Passengers choose pick-up and drop-off points and can set either an “arrive by” or “leave after” time. The system then proposes a journey and sends an alert when the vehicle is on its way. Return journeys can be requested in the same way.
- Booking: Via the Extra Mile app, or by phone on 0333 240 6965 (option 2, then option 4).
- Phone booking hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm.
- Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 7am–7pm; Sundays, 10am–4pm.
- Cost: Free until Sunday, 2 August (introductory period).
- Area served: Rural locations linking into Ulverston and nearby hubs across the Furness peninsula; not for trips entirely within Ulverston.
| Day | Service hours |
|---|---|
| Mon–Sat | 07:00–19:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–16:00 |
Where the pilot runs
The council describes a pilot area that covers the Furness peninsula, extending down to Roa Island and Roose. From there, it takes in an area roughly bordered by Stank, Newton-in-Furness, Askam, Kirkby, Foxfield, and Duddon Bridge. The focus is on creating reliable public transport links for residents who currently face long journeys or limited timetables to reach work, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities.
Why it matters
For many households in scattered settlements, a lack of frequent bus services can mean reliance on cars or costly taxis. The Extra Mile aims to provide a flexible, shared alternative that is bookable on demand but still operates as public transport. The council hopes the model will support employment, keep appointments with local NHS services, and offer more feasible options for students travelling to schools and colleges. Because journeys are pooled, routes are designed dynamically rather than following a fixed timetable.
The pilot’s funding via the Rural Mobility Fund places Furness alongside other rural areas trialling tech-led solutions to reach places that conventional services struggle to cover. While it is early days, the free travel window through 2 August is likely to be the first real test of take-up, giving residents a chance to try the system without cost.
What passengers need to know
To use the service, passengers can download the dedicated app and set up an account. Those who prefer to call can use the 0333 240 6965 number during weekday booking hours. Once a trip is requested, the app or call handler will confirm an estimated pick-up time and location from a nearby point and notify when the vehicle is on approach. Passengers should allow time at the chosen pick-up and be aware that short detours en route may occur to accommodate other bookings.
The council is urging people in the pilot area to try The Extra Mile now, particularly for essential trips where options are currently limited. It has also emphasised that the service is not intended for short hops entirely within Ulverston where other buses or walking options are available.
Next steps
As a pilot, performance and feedback will be closely monitored to assess reliability, journey times and overall demand. That evidence will inform decisions about the scheme’s future shape and whether the model could be adapted to other rural parts of Westmorland and Furness. For now, the council’s message is straightforward: book via app or phone, test the routes you need, and make use of the free introductory travel while it lasts.
