Leicestershire’s on-demand transport service, FoxConnect, is celebrating a major milestone after completing 100,000 passenger journeys.
The on-demand local transport service in conjunction with Centrebus and Premier Taxis provides flexible, bookable transport in 11 operating zones and has quickly become a valuable travel option, helping people access work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure across the county.
Since its launch in January 2025, over 8,000 residents have signed up to use the Leicestershire County Council run service. It has received a positive response, with passengers rating their journeys an average of 4.8 out of 5 over the past six months.
“This milestone highlights the growing popularity of demand-responsive transport and the role that FoxConnect plays in improving connectivity for local communities.
“Reaching 100,000 journeys is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates just how valuable the service has become in helping residents get to where they need to be in a flexible, convenient and affordable way.
“We will continue to work with passengers and partners to ensure the service remains accessible, affordable and responsive to residents' needs.”
Person:Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray, cabinet member for highways and transport
Jacqui, a local resident in North West Leicestershire, said: "Having recently reduced from two cars to one, I needed a way to get to Castle Donington while my husband was using the car and I was relieved when I remembered that there was a FoxConnect service that goes there.
“I put several different times into the app to see when it expected to get me there and to allow for the short walk to meet my friend. Although I was initially given a 30-minute collection window, I later received a more precise pick-up time and was able to track the bus on the map as it approached my stop, so I knew exactly where it was.
“All in all, it was an efficient and easy journey. The driver was incredibly friendly, and the service was very good value for money.
“I would definitely recommend it and plan to use the service again.”
David Brookes, managing director at Centrebus, said: “Reaching 100,000 journeys on FoxConnect is a fantastic milestone, and one we're incredibly proud of.
“It's a great example of what can be achieved through close partnership working with Leicestershire County Council, bringing a flexible, on-demand bus service to communities in rural Leicestershire who might otherwise struggle to get where they need to go.
“Thanks to the council and to our drivers and team for making this possible, and we're looking forward to connecting many more communities in the years ahead.”
FoxConnect offers free travel after 9.30am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays for older and disabled person's bus pass holders and children under five, as well as half-price fares for young people aged 5-19.
Journeys can be booked through the Leicestershire FoxConnect app, or by calling the telephone booking line on 0116 216 7756. Rides can be booked up to seven days in advance or up to 45 minutes before the journey on a first come, first served basis.
There are regular FoxConnect drop-in sessions across the service area, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the service, collect information, and get support with app or telephone bookings. Parish councils and community groups interested in arranging a session can get in touch with the team by emailing the Choose How You Move team.
More information, as well as a full list of villages served by FoxConnect can be found on the Choose How You Move website.