An Uber-style bus service will be launching in High Wycombe next week.

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 September 27, with an Aylesbury pilot launching later in the autumn.

The new ride-sharing service allows travellers to request a pick-up and a drop-off at a virtual bus stop anywhere in High Wycombe using a smartphone app rather than being restricted to an inflexible timetable.

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PickMeUp will cover High Wycombe town and extend as far as Wycombe Air Park, Downley Common, Wooburn Green and Pedestal Roundabout on the West Wycombe Road.

It works when you download the app. You then request a pick up from the location and destination and the minu bus will come to you within 15 minutes.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I’m excited that we’re able to introduce this fantastic pilot scheme to the High Wycombe area. While there is a comprehensive existing bus network in High Wycombe, there are some areas the main buses can’t serve, due to location, demand for the bus, or the size of the vehicle. Introducing this DRT service will help those who cannot make use of our existing bus services.

“Journeys using the new service will be convenient and affordable for commuters, people getting to college, the hospital, or those who just want to visit the shops.”

Luke Marion, Carousel Buses Interim Managing Director, said: "We are proud to be the delivery partner for this innovative service that will provide passengers with an easy, flexible and affordable way to travel that will help reduce congestion and pollution.

"We bring a lot of experience to this exciting pilot scheme having previously launched PickMeUp in Oxford via our sister company and look forward to delivering increased sustainable travel choices to High Wycombe.

"This has been made possible thanks to Buckinghamshire Council securing vital funding and embracing the technology and modern transport solutions we can deliver. I hope the introduction of demand responsive technology will help encourage more people to reduce their use of private vehicles in the area."

For more information and to book your first journey – once the PickMeUp app goes live this weekend – please visit: https://www.pickmeupwycombe.co.uk