A popular on-demand bus service in West Berkshire is set to expand its operating area.

West Berkshire Community Connect, which launched in early 2024, has been connecting the Northwest Downlands area with Newbury and has been successful in attracting new passengers, providing an expanded service, and establishing new connections.

The service, which moves away from conventional timetabled routes, allows passengers to book journeys via a website, user-friendly app, or dedicated phone service, putting the control in their hands.

Building on this success, the service has launched a new operating area called Thatcham Connect, which connects selected villages in West Berkshire with Thatcham and the A4 between Thatcham and Theale.

The new operating area replaces the 41 and 44 services and operates Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

Alongside the on-demand service, some timetabled journeys remain.

These include an early morning and late afternoon service running Monday to Friday between Thatcham Broadway and Aldermaston, as well as a shopper service to Calcot Sainsbury's on Monday and Wednesday, and Fridays to Thatcham Broadway.

Key features of the West Berkshire Community Connect service include flexibility, as passengers can book their journeys via the website, app, or phone, tailored journeys for rural areas, responsiveness, and efficiency.

The service is also environmentally friendly, being a zero-emission bus and the first electric minibus for the fleet.

Councillor Stuart Gourley, executive member for environment and highways at West Berkshire Council, said: "We’re pleased to introduce another Community Connect on-demand bus service but this time for those around the Thatcham areas.

"This will give residents greater flexibility and access to essential services, shops, and social events.

"This service is all about enhancing mobility and independence for our residents, making travel more convenient and reducing reliance on cars.

"We’re committed to supporting sustainable, accessible transport solutions, and we hope this new zero-emission Thatcham Community Connect bus will make a positive impact for our residents."

The extension of West Berkshire Community Connect has been made possible by funding from HM Government, given to West Berkshire Council after the submission of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

For further information on the West Berkshire Community Connect on-demand transport service, visit the West Berkshire Council website.

The service aims to provide much-needed transport for residents to commute for education, employment, and medical appointments, particularly in the rural areas of the district where public transport is limited.

With no more waiting around for timetabled buses, West Berkshire Community Connect aims to make travel more convenient, enhance independence, and reduce reliance on cars.