RESIDENTS in Newent and the surrounding area will soon benefit from improved rural transport, as Gloucestershire County Council announces the expansion of its on-demand bookable bus service, The Robin.

The service, which currently operates in five areas—including the south Forest of Dean, the north and south Cotswolds, Berkeley Vale, and parts of the Tewkesbury district—has been widely praised for increasing transport options in rural communities.

The expansion into Newent will fill one of the last major gaps in Gloucestershire’s rural transport network, ensuring better connectivity for those without regular bus services.

For many residents in and around the town, access to reliable public transport has been a longstanding issue, with limited options for travel to work, education, healthcare, and shopping.

The Robin allows passengers to book journeys easily and conveniently via an app, website, or phone, ensuring accessibility for people of all ages and levels of digital confidence.

Operating from 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday, the service provides a flexible alternative to traditional bus routes

The service provides flexible transport by stopping anywhere within its operating area or linking passengers to other transport options.

For many rural residents, The Robin has become a lifeline, offering access to essential services, employment, and social opportunities that were previously difficult to reach.

Since its launch, The Robin has seen growing demand, with nearly 6,500 trips made across its five existing service areas in November and December 2024 alone. This steady increase in passenger numbers highlights the vital role the service plays in improving rural mobility.

While the current services are funded by the Department for Transport, the Newent expansion will be supported by Gloucestershire County Council, demonstrating the local authority’s commitment to improving public transport in rural areas.

Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of the county council, said: “I’m thrilled we’re able to make this investment to see The Robin expand into another new area. It will help meet the needs of residents in Newent and the surrounding area, boosting rural connectivity and expanding the Robin service to now cover the vast majority of rural Gloucestershire.

“We are committed to making improvements to the whole public transport network across the county and will continue to work closely with bus operators to ensure customers are encouraged to use modern, reliable and affordable services.”

A procurement process will now take place to secure a contract for the expansion, ensuring that an operator is appointed to deliver the service effectively and meet the needs of local residents.

This process will involve selecting a provider capable of maintaining the high standards already set by The Robin in other areas, including reliable scheduling, vehicle accessibility, and customer service.

The council will work closely with potential operators to ensure the service is well-integrated with existing transport links and tailored to the specific needs of Newent and the surrounding areas.

For more details or to book a journey, residents can visit the Gloucestershire County Council website, where they will find comprehensive information on how the service operates, including booking instructions, service areas, and fare details.