About Connect on Demand

Connect On-Demand is a flexible public transport service designed to make getting around easier. It uses Demand Responsive Transport (DRT), which means there’s no fixed route or timetable. Instead, you book a ride when you need it, and the bus comes to a nearby stop within your zone. It’s public transport that fits around your life.

Why it matters 

Connect On-Demand helps bring people and places together by: 

• Connecting rural and suburban communities to Shrewsbury town centre and key destinations 
  
• Giving you more choice over when you travel 
  
• Supporting accessibility for people with mobility needs 
  
• Reducing car use and supporting a greener future 

Whether you're heading to work, school, appointments, or just out and about, Connect On-Demand is here to help you get there. 

How it works: smarter shared travel

Connect On-Demand is powered by Via, a global leader in demand-responsive transport technology. Via’s platform is used in cities and rural areas around the world to make public transport more flexible, efficient, and inclusive. 

Here’s how it works

• When you book a ride, Via’s smart software looks at who else is travelling nearby, and where they’re going 
  
• It then plans the most efficient route for the driver to pick up and drop off multiple passengers along the way 
  
• You’ll be picked up from a nearby bus stop or designated point 
  

Because the route is shared, your journey may include a few short detours to collect or drop off other passengers. This helps: 

• Reduce the number of vehicles on the road 
  
• Lower emissions 
  
• Make better use of shared transport for everyone

Why you get a time window

When you make an advance booking, you’ll initially be given a 30-minute time slot. This gives the system flexibility to group your journey with others and build the most efficient route. 

•    The final schedule is confirmed: 
•    By 9pm the night before (for next-day travel) 
•    Or one hour before your trip (for same-day or bookings made after 9pm the night before) 
•    At that point, you’ll receive a precise 6-minute pick-up window by text message 

This approach helps us keep the service reliable, efficient, and fair for all passengers—while still giving you a clear idea of when to be ready.

Where you can travel

The service currently operates in two zones: 

• Zone one: Pulverbatch, Longden, Hook-A-Gate, Bayston Hill, Meole Village 
  
• Zone two: Oteley Road and Sutton Farm, Weir Hill, Shrewbury Business Park, Love to Stay

You can travel

• From either zone into Shrewsbury town centre (bus station, railway station, The Square, St Mary’s Street, Barker Street, The Abbey Church) 
  
• To shared stops like Meole Brace Retail Park, Percy Throwers Garden Centre, and Medivet Sutton Farm 
  
• Between stops within the same zone

More detail of the travel zones and maps on our travel zone page.

View travel zones

When the service runs 

• Monday to Saturday (closed on bank holidays) 
  
• 7:30am to 6:30pm
  

How to book a journey

You can book a ride: 

• On-demand (for travel within the next 30 minutes) 
  
• In advance (from two hours, up to one month ahead) 

Booking is available through: 

• The Connect On-Demand app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store 
  
• Or by calling 0345 678 9013 (Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm) 

First time using the app?

We’re here to help if you need support. Take a look at our Book Connect on Demand page for in depth guidance on booking a journey.  

Don’t have a smartphone?

No problem - you can still use the service by calling our booking line. Our team will help you register for the service and book your journey over the phone. 

*To travel as a concessionary pass holder or young person, please call 0345 678 9013 to link your pass or discount to your account.