DigiGo - Digital DRT

About the service

DigiGo is an electric shared public transport service which offers on-demand or pre-bookable travel in parts of Essex. There is no fixed route or timetable, which puts you in control of your journey. DigiGo is booked through the TravelEssex journey planning app.

It's easy to book a DigiGo journey via the TravelEssex app.

Book - Select your pick-up and drop-off points within our operational areas and pay on the app.

Track - Watch on your smartphone as your designated vehicle makes its way to you in real-time.

Ride - Hop on and off you go!

A journey can be booked to travel on-demand or up to 7 days in advance. Bookings are made and paid for on the TravelEssex app, where you can also track your vehicle in real time before and during the journey. All DigiGo drivers are enhanced DBS checked.

DigiGo improves access to health, education, employment, and social opportunities. Some example journeys could be:

  • Travelling to education at Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form

  • Commuting to Skyline 120

  • Travel to local train or bus stations for onward travel to Stansted Airport, Chelmsford City Centre, Witham, Colchester and more!

  • Reaching your appointment at Broomfield Hospital or Braintree Community Hospital

  • A family day out at Great Notley Country Park

DigiGo is a shared service, which means you may pick up other passengers on the way to your destination. This helps reduce emissions and congestion in the operating area. Our vehicles are fully electric, powered by GRIDSERVE, with wheelchair accessible vehicles available too.

This service is made for everyone… so, whether you’re a commuter, a student, a weekend tripper or a key worker, DigiGo can get you to where you’re going.


Operational Area

Travel anywhere within our operational area plus key locations such as Braintree Bus Interchange and Braintree Train Station!

Digio operational area


Operating Times

DigiGo operates 7 days a week, from 7am until 10pm everyday - we've got you covered for evenings and weekends. Excluding Bank Holidays.

Managing Bookings

Setting up your account

Here is a quick guide to setup the TravelEssex app and create a DigiGo account:

  • Download and install the TravelEssex app from Google Play or Apple App Store

  • Upon opening the app, pressing ‘Get Started’ means you agree to our terms and conditions

  • Next is location settings – our app works best if you allow location services and notifications

  • In the app menu, tap on ‘Create an account’ – provide your details the app requests

When booking your first journey

  • Enter your destination in ‘Where do you want to go’.

  • On the next screen, choose to depart now or in the future and change your current location, if required

  • A list of available travel options will appear.  If your journey is within DigiGo's operational area, it will be displayed in this list, advising the estimated pick-up time and cost.

  • To travel by DigiGo, tap on ‘Order’

  • You will then be presented with more information about your DigiGo journey, including:

    • A map showing the journey and walking route to pick-up point

    • An option to choose an accessible vehicle (tap on ‘Change’ on the ‘Passengers’ row) 

  • Tap on ‘Book this ride’

  • On the following screens you’ll be asked to:

    • Add your payments details (required for all passenger types, including Concessionary Pass holders)

    • Choose your ticket type: Adult, Young Person or Concessionary.

    • Concessionary pass holders will be asked to enter their 18 digit pass reference, which will be validated and saved for future journeys.

  • Your DigiGo journey details are now completed, click ‘Book this ride’ again to finish the process.

Once you have booked a journey

  • Upon booking confirmation, you’ll be advised of your drivers name and vehicle registration collecting you

  • You can live-track the minibus on its way to you via the app!

  • Text messages will also be sent to your mobile, confirming the journey booking, when the minibus is nearby and when it has arrived

  • Follow the app navigation to your pick-up point

  • When boarding, show the driver your booking and hop aboard!

When pre-booking, the guide above is the same, other than you'll need to click the 'depart now' button in the app and choose 'set departure time' - giving you options on days of the week and times.

Alternatively, we have a telephone booking option for those unable to use the app 03330 137 138. This is available Monday to Friday, 10am till 12pm (excluding bank holidays).

Pricing Structure

DigiGo fares offer three ticket options - Adult, Young person and Concession. The table below outlines single fares, per person. Currently, the scheme is making use of the £2 Government Bus Fare Cap Grant:

Distance

Adult

Young Person

Concession*

0 to 2 miles

£2

£1.87

Free

2 to 4 miles

£2

£2

Free

4 to 6 miles

£2

£2

Free

7+ miles

£2

£2

Free

*Concession's travel for free after 9am on weekdays and at all times at weekends.  Before 9am on weekdays the standard fares apply.

A young person on DigiGo services is classified as under 18 years of age.

Group bookings via the app are now available – for up to 6 people, so that’s you plus 5 others.


Contact

The best way to contact DigiGo is via email at DigiGo@essex.gov.uk for general queries, compliments or complaints. Our telephone booking line is available Monday to Friday, 10am till 12pm at 03330 137 138 (excluding bank holidays).

Image of the Travel Essex Journey Planner App

Journey planning made simple

Search for public transport travel options throughout Essex, including walking, cycling, train, bus and DigiGo.