Public transport is often referred to as a lifeline, allowing access to key town centres, health sites, places of work, and schools. But it’s often more than that: it can help maintain friendships, strengthen communities and increase access to leisure activities.
FoxConnect aims to keep our rural communities connected. Operating in 11 zones across Leicestershire, there have been over 35,000 passenger journeys made already this year!
Here are some incredible stories, showing the lasting difference the service is making to people’s lives.
Life beyond the front door
Ken has recently been learning how to walk again, and his life has changed thanks to FoxConnect and public transport.
“The service has provided me with the potential to break-out of my home that had been made into a prison. It provides me with incentive to [get out and about].”
Person:Ken
All our vehicles are accessible, and our booking system allows you to select an accessible vehicle if you need one. The flexibility of the services means that passengers can choose when they want to travel, with no rush to meet a timetable.
A coffee and a catch-up
Jane and Janice say the service is ‘great’ with ‘friendly and helpful’ drivers. They used the group booking feature to travel to Bottesford to celebrate their birthdays at a coffee shop for brunch and cakes!
Public transport is a great way to stay connected with family and friends. FoxConnect provides stops at a range of fun locations, from town centres for your local coffee shops and High Streets, to popular tourist attractions and leisure facilities. You could travel to places like Fosse Park, Twycross Zoo, and 1620’s House and Garden.
Public Transport to Public Footpaths
A key focus of connecting Leicestershire is linking public transport to walking and cycling routes. A passenger in Hungarton booked a journey to explore the countryside.
“Less than twenty minutes after greeting the driver of our Fox Connect eight-seater mini -bus [we were] at the end of Launde Abbey. Beautiful, rolling East Leicestershire countryside, peaceful and serene.
“Our driver found his way there and assured us he would be back to meet us for our return journey at the time we had requested.
“Hungarton’s FoxConnect zone, Zone 3, is full of many East Leicestershire villages, many of which are on the Leicestershire Round long-distance footpath, 100 miles around the county, through some lovely countryside. We completed a three-mile walk, had lunch at Launde’s café, and met our bus -on time.”
Person:A FoxConnect Passenger
Across the 11 zones, the team have been to 63 local support sessions to educate residents and passengers about the FoxConnect service, benefiting more than 1,400 people. Public transport matters, and it’s here in your stories. Share your stories with us or enquire about a support session by emailing choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk
Book a FoxConnect journey through the app or through the telephone booking line.
Download the app on smartphones from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store or call the telephone booking line on 0116 216 7756 during opening hours 08:30-16:30 on Monday to Friday. Find out more on the Leicestershire FoxConnect page.