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West Midlands Bus on Demand

December 2023 Update

West Midlands Bus on Demand will no longer be serving Warwickshire. Find out more about the changesLink opens in a new window.

What is the West Midlands Bus on Demand?

West Midlands Bus on Demand is a new type of bus service. It does not follow a specific route or timetable. Instead, you book a journey and a bus will pick you up at a time and location you choose.

Download the West Midlands Bus on Demand app on Google Play or iOS.

The West Midlands Bus on Demand uses accessible minibuses, which have space for a wheelchair. You can also bring assistance dogs, but other dogs are not permitted on the bus.

Where will it operate?

West Midlands On Demand will operate in the surrounding areas of the University of Warwick, including Coventry & University Hospital Coventry.

If you commute to campus from these areas but don't have a convenient bus service near you, West Midlands On Demand is a flexible transport alternative.

How does it work?

How do I use the service?

Everything you need to use this service can be easily organised through the West Midlands Bus on Demand app.

When you've downloaded the app called 'WM on Demand' (Google PlayLink opens in a new window / Apple IOSLink opens in a new window), you can create your account and register your payment details and then begin to book your rides.

1. Select your pick-up point

  • Insert an address or place for the pick-up location on the map.
  • The app will then assign you to a ‘virtual bus stop’ - choosing the most convenient and efficient location for you to be picked up from.

2. Select your destination

  • Choose your destination and journey time (you can book immediately or up to two days in advance)
  • Sometimes the app might suggest you take a normal bus service to save time. You can choose to ignore this and continue to book the Bus on Demand service.

3. Choose the day and time of your trip

  • Select what time and on which day you want to book this ride for.

4. Confirmation

  • You'll receive a SMS notification confirming that your ride is booked and when the bus is on its way, you will be able to track it in real time from the app.

Catching the bus

You will be notified a time and a place (virtual stop) to catch the bus. You should arrive ahead of your pick-up time as the bus will not wait if you are late.

You should hold your arm out when you see the bus approaching.

If the bus does not arrive as expected, check the app for any updates to your booking or call West Midlands Bus on Demand on 0345 034 8670.

Please note: The bus is not a taxi and may pick up and drop off other passengers on the journey.

Operating times

  • Monday to Friday, 6am -11pm
  • Saturday, 8am -11pm
  • Sunday, 8am - 3:30pm

Cost

Individual journey prices are based on distance. You can add up to 9 people to your journey for £1 each. You will be charged when your journey is completed.

You can also purchase Ride Passes, which provides a discount on the journey price. These are available as a bundle for 12 rides at £30 or 30 rides at £60. These allow you to take individual journeys to any destination within the WM Bus on Demand operating zone. For regular riders the ride passes offer a saving on individual journeys, especially if you are regularly making longer trips.

Your fare will now be based on the distance instead of the time of day. Distances are calculated as a straight line from A to B, and the distance charged is not dependant on the route the bus takes.

The price of your journey will be confirmed when you book, and your fare will remain the same regardless of how many stops or passengers there are. You will be able to pay by cash on the bus or by card once your journey is completed.

Standard fare Concessionary fare
  • 0 - 1.5 miles - £2
  • 0 - 1.5 miles - £1
  • 1.5 - 5 miles - £3
  • 1.5 - 5 miles - £1.50
  • 5 - 7 miles - £4
  • 5 - 10 miles - £2
  • 7 - 10 miles - £6
  • 10+ miles - £2.50
  • 10+ miles - £7
 

The following groups are eligible for concessionary discount: under 18s, over 67s and those with a registered disability.

To keep up to date on the service you can sign up to page notifications by email.Link opens in a new window

Find out more about the service here: West Midlands on Demand BusLink opens in a new window

There aren’t currently any changes to the travel policy and business cars, however the University is reviewing this policy, amongst others, in light of our climate emergency declaration.