RESIDENTS can now download the smartphone app for North Somerset's new Demand Responsive Transport bus service, WESTlink.

The app is available on Google Play or Apple Store.

From April 3, people with limited access to public transport will be able to take advantage of the scheme, which aims to improve connectivity in the region.

The bus will cost £2 per trip and is free for Diamond Card holders.

Journeys will be able to be booked from 24 hours to one hour in advance.

People can pay through the app or in cash on the bus.

Although there won't be a set timetable, the service will run Monday to Saturday from 7am until 7pm.

The areas for the new on-demand service will include:

  • Parts of the town centre as far as Ellenborough Park, Weston village, Weston hillside, Worle and Worlebury.
  • Locking village.
  • Hutton village.
  • Bleadon village.
  • Banwell.
  • Winscombe.
  • Blagdon and Churchill.

The 16 initial vehicles will go where they are needed.

When speaking about the service, Cllr Mike Bell, deputy leader of the Council and executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: "Passengers can book a journey on the phone or via the app and will receive instructions on how to catch the bus - usually from a nearby stop - and how long the waiting time will be.

"The system then cleverly optimises the best route for the driver to take for all passengers who have booked.

"You might need to make a change from one on-demand bus to another or via a scheduled service to make a long journey."

Speaking before the app was made available, Jonathan Hampson, head of UK Partnerships at Via, the global leader in TransitTech, said: “Via is thrilled to partner with North Somerset Council to introduce WESTLink, an innovative demand-responsive minibus service.

"Via’s intelligent software will work to fill transport access gaps in remote areas and make it easier for locals to travel without a private car.

"Passengers can download the WESTLink app and start using the service in just a few weeks.” 

The WESTlink service is part of North Somerset's Bus Improvement Service Plan (BSIP), which aims to make the bus service cheaper, greener and more reliable.

For more information about the WESTlink service, visit the North Somerset Council's website.