Wycombe residents will soon be able to book a bus

Buckinghamshire Council and Carousel Buses are launching a new ‘demand responsive transport’ (DRT) service in and around High Wycombe. Described as a cross between a bus and taxi service, the new DRT service comes as part of a pilot scheme funded by the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund. The new service will run for the next 3 years, with scope to run for longer if the pilot is successful.

The High Wycombe DRT pilot is set to launch from 27 September, with an Aylesbury pilot launching later in the autumn.

Sitting under Carousel’s ‘PickMeUp’ brand, the Wycombe pilot will serve several communities, including Booker, Daws Hill, Wooburn Green, Wycombe Marsh, Loudwater and Downley. These either have a limited bus service or a route which only serves part of the community. The PickMeUp service will also improve access to areas with steeper gradients.

Users will be able to book one of the five fully accessible minibuses to collect them either directly from their home, or from one of the 500+ pickup points – also known as ‘virtual bus stops’ – out and about in the local area. Ideal for those who may not have access to a bus stop either by their home, or a service that operates direct to their desired destination, the DRT service is quick and easy to use for commuters, students, and people with accessibility issues.

Thanks to the technology in the PickMeUp app, users can really break free of the rigid structure of traditional bus timetables and have the buses work around them instead – arriving only when required and from a wider range of pick-up points.

Buses can be booked in advance of a trip via the app, through which you can also pay for your ticket and track your bus in real time. Those without access to the app can book over the phone 01494 296021. Buses can be booked in advance, or on the day of travel, and will run from Monday to Friday, 6am-7pm.

Journeys will only cost a little more than a local bus service – between £2 and £3.50 per trip depending on distance travelled. Concessionary bus passes will be accepted for free travel.