We’re pleased to provide further information on DigiGo expanding into your area from Sunday 26 July 2026, replacing the existing DaRT contracts that end on 25 July 2026. This was confirmed in the recent Bus Passenger News issued on 30 June 2026.
What is DigiGo?
DigiGo is Essex County Council’s flexible, on-demand public transport service. Unlike a traditional bus, it has no fixed routes or timetables, allowing journeys to be tailored to passenger demand. DigiGo does not operate door-to-door, nor does it only pick up from traditional bus stops. Instead, we have ‘virtual’ stops throughout our service area. These virtual stops serve as pick-up and drop-off points, with thousands located across the zone, ensuring passengers are never too far from one.
Since launching in April 2022, DigiGo has:
- Completed over 170,000 passenger journeys
- Achieved 95% 5-star journey ratings from more than 14,000 reviews
The service offers:
- An enhanced service, Monday to Sunday, 7am until 10pm daily
- Shared journeys to improve efficiency and reduce congestion
- Bookings up to 7 days in advance
- Group bookings for up to 10 passengers
- Single fares from £1.87–£3 under the Government’s £3 Fare Cap
- Free travel for concessionary bus pass holders after 9am on weekdays and all day at weekends
What will happen from 26 July?
From 26 July, the service in your area will initially operate similar to the existing DaRT service, ensuring a smooth transition for passengers. Passengers can book journeys from A to B within the Travel Zone, including to TravelEssex Connect Points for onwards travel (e.g. a bus interchange or train station)
Initially, passengers can book journeys by calling our dedicated booking line, with bookings available up to 7 days in advance. Bookings for next day travel must be made by 5pm on the previous working day.
The booking line will be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (03330 137138). We will begin accepting calls from Thursday 23 July, enabling residents to pre-book journeys for travel from 26 July onwards.
For our new areas, an introductory offer of free travel will be available for all passengers until 31 August 2026. This offer is designed to encourage residents to try the service while helping to ensure a smooth transition whilst we get to know current and future passengers on the service.
We have attached some initial communication templates to share/use with your residents.
Looking ahead
Once things bed in (from September), we’ll be introducing the TravelEssex app for the new Travel Zones. Once available, residents in your area will be able to:
- Book DigiGo journeys instantly either on-demand or pre-booked
- Pay for journeys within the app
- Track their vehicle in real time
- Receive live journey updates and notifications
We’ll share more information closer to the introduction of the app, along with a range of promotional and educational materials, including printed leaflets, posters and app guidance, to help you promote this within your community.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to working with you to help residents make the most of DigiGo. If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Team DigiGo
Integrated Passenger Transport Unit
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