24 March 2026
10,000 Journeys And Counting For Vital Test Valley Transport Service
Our on-demand bus service in the Northern Test Valley is celebrating a major milestone this month after welcoming its 10,000th passenger journey since launching in April 2025 – highlighting its growing role as a vital transport link for the rural communities in and around Andover.
The minibus service, delivered by charity Community First and funded by Hampshire County Council and grant funding it receives from the Department for Transport, provides flexible and affordable travel across Andover, Stockbridge, Conholt and surrounding villages. For many residents, particularly in areas where public bus routes have been reduced or withdrawn, the service offers a crucial alternative, helping people stay connected to healthcare, work, shops and social activities.
The milestone passenger, Nick Heritage, uses the service four to five days a week to get to and from work and was recognised during a small celebration with drivers, and Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services.
To thank him for his continued support of the service, Nick was presented with 50 free journeys with Connect Transport on Demand.
Nick said: “I would highly recommend Connect Transport, it’s incredibly reliable and all the staff and drivers are lovely. Without it, I’d be paying much more for taxis, which just aren’t as dependable. It’s also extremely easy to use the app and understand how to book rides.”
Connect Transport on Demand allows passengers to book a minibus journey through the Book a Journey app or by phone, offering a flexible alternative to traditional bus services. With no fixed routes or timetables, the minibuses adapt to passenger bookings, picking up and dropping off travellers between designated bus stops across the SP10, SP11 and SO20 postcode areas.
The service currently connects more than 350 bus stops, giving residents access to key destinations including Andover town centre, Andover War Memorial Hospital, and the town’s train and bus stations.
Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “We are incredibly proud to reach the milestone of 10,000 passenger journeys on the Connect Northern Test Valley service. It demonstrates just how valuable flexible, demand-responsive transport can be for rural
communities. The service can be a lifeline, helping people reach shops, healthcare, work, and social activities, and it’s fantastic to see regular passengers like Nick benefiting from it.”
Councillor Kirsty North said: “It was great to meet Nick, the 10,000th passenger and hear the difference the Connect Transport on Demand service has made to his life including his commute to work.
“The landmark of 10,000 passenger journeys is a really positive milestone for this service. It shows that, nearly 12 months since its launch, the Connect Transport on Demand pilot is making a real difference for people across northern Test Valley. The service is improving access to shops and services, while also offering convenient, flexibly timed connections to Andover town centre and between villages.”
The service operates Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm, excluding Bank Holidays. One of the minibuses is wheelchair accessible and both are service dog friendly.
Ticket prices range from £2.50 to £5.50 per journey, with up to two children under five travelling free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Passengers can book journeys via the Book a Journey app up to three days in advance. For those who prefer to book by phone, Community First’s customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm on 0333 015 1271.


