Changes to the Ring & Ride service in Coventry

You will be able to book up to 7 days before you want to travel. There will be two ways to do this:

1. By telephone: You can make your booking by calling 0345 034 8670
2. Through the app: You can download the West Midlands Bus on Demand app on Google Play or iOS.

You can choose your destination and pick-up time when booking. Your trip can be booked immediately (subject to availability) or up to 7 days in advance. You will then be asked to confirm your journey and exact pick-up point.

Please note you will no longer be able to book by email or online form.

There are no plans to withdraw the facility to book by telephone, which we know is important for many Ring & Ride customers.

Yes, you will need to register if you would like to use West Midlands Bus on Demand.

You can do this:

1. By phone: You can make your booking by calling 0345 034 8670
2. Through the app: You can download the West Midlands Bus on Demand app on Google Play or iOS.

Please note you do not need to register if:

• You have already registered yourself
• You have received notification that you are automatically registered 

If you have a mobile device, you have the option to book using the West Midlands on Demand app. You can download the app on iOS or Google Play.

Using the app means you can book without phoning us and see your bus moving in real time. Downloading and using the app is optional, and you do not need to do this if you don’t want to.

You always have the option to book journeys by calling us on 0345 034 8670.

Yes, users will be able to book up to 7 days in advance.

You cannot change a booking once it’s been confirmed. You will need to cancel it and rebook instead. To cancel, use the app or call 0345 034 8670.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you won’t be travelling on your chosen journey. That way we can ensure the bus is available for other passengers to book.

Yes, anyone travelling within the service area can use West Midlands Bus on Demand.

Yes, there will be new service hours from 23 January 2023:

• Monday to Friday, 6am-11pm
• Saturday, 8am-11pm
• Sunday, 8am-3:30pm

You’ll be told exactly when and where to catch the bus.

If you use the app, you can follow the bus in real-time. You will also receive a text message reminder 10 and 5 minutes before arrival. 

We cannot wait for you if you’re running late, so please ensure you are at your pick-up destination before your chosen time. If the bus does not turn up, check the app or call 0345 034 8670.

The bus is not a taxi. It may pick up and drop off other people on the way to your destination.

Yes, but make sure you plan ahead and leave plenty of time to travel to and from your appointment:

• When requesting your arrival time, make sure you arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your appointment
• When requesting your departure time, make sure you consider the possibility of your appointment overrunning. The bus won’t be able to wait around for more than a couple of minutes as it will have other passengers to collect.

Although the service will be available to everyone, you will be able to book 7-days in advance, and ‘on-demand’, meaning a bus will be immediately scheduled for collection, subject to availability.

Most of the buses will be from the previous Ring & Ride service, and any new buses will be very similar 12-seater minibuses with 1 wheelchair space.

Drivers who previously worked on Ring & Ride will continue to drive the new service, and any new drivers will have the same level of training and will offer the same level of care.

Yes. The fare will now be based on the distance instead of the time of day.

Standard fare

Concessionary fare

Distances are calculated as a straight line from A to B. The distance charged is not dependent on the route the bus takes and your fare will remain the same regardless of how many stops or passengers there are.

The following groups are eligible for the concessionary discount: under 18s, over 67s and those with a registered disability.

You will be able to pay by cash on the bus or by card once your journey is complete. There are no plans to withdraw the option to pay by cash, which we know is important for many Ring & Ride customers.

No, at this present time you cannot use a Swift card, nnetwork or nbus pass. This is something we may review in the future.  

Yes, once you have booked you will be able to add additional passengers for £1 per person regardless of journey length. You can add up to 10 people to one booking.

You are also able to bulk purchase rides:

• 12 journeys for £30
• 30 journeys for £60

And more! The newly merged service will come with an expanded operating area offering greater accessibility to locations. Ring & Ride users will now have access to Kenilworth, Meriden, Balsall Common, Leamington Spa and Warwick Parkway.