DigiGo - Digital DRT

What is DigiGo?

DigiGo is a 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 operates 7 days a week, from 6am to 10pm on weekdays and from 7am to 10pm on weekends - we've got you covered for evenings and weekends (excluding Bank Holidays).

Journeys 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.

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

Book - Select your pick-up and drop-off points within our Travel Zone 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!

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 Travel Zone. We have 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.


I'd like to...

Request a DigiGo Virtual Stop Change

Request a ‘Enhancing your digital confidence with DigiGo’ session

Request a DigiGo Roadshow

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Where can you get to?

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

  • Reaching your appointment at Broomfield Hospital or Braintree Community Hospital

  • Travelling to education at Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form, Writtle ARU and Braintree Institute

  • Commuting to Skyline 120, Horizon 120 and Springwood Industrial Estate

  • Travel to TravelEssex Connect Points for onward travel to Stansted Airport, Chelmsford City Centre, Witham, Colchester and more!

  • A family day out at Great Notley Country Park

  • Attending events at venues such as Chelmsford City Racecourse

  • Enjoying a meal or drink at a local pub or café

  • Exploring shopping options at nearby retail and grocery stores


Travel Zone

Our DigiGo Travel Zone is split into two areas: ‘North’ (blue) and ‘South’ (orange). Passengers can travel anywhere from A to B within each area, including the overlapping area.

For passengers starting their journey in the overlapping North and South, travel can be made flexibly between each area.

For travel between the North and South areas, or for onward to travel Chelmsford, Colchester, Stansted and other key destinations, why not try one of our TravelEssex Connect Points?

What is a TravelEssex Connect Point?

A TravelEssex Connect Point offers the opportunity for onward travel to key destinations further afield. This could be through a variety of modes – whether that is bus, train, walking or cycling.

Connect Points will typically also have real-time public transport information displays and be nearby to food/drink retailers and toilet facilities.

Operating Times

DigiGo operates 7 days a week, from 6am to 10pm on weekdays and from 7am to 10pm on weekends (excluding Bank Holidays).


Booking your journey

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on creating a DigiGo account and booking a journey.

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 Travel Zone, 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

  • You can access your booked journeys within the ‘My Rides’ section on the home page of the TravelEssex app

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

  • Follow the app navigation to your pick-up point

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

  • 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 01245 203952. This is available Monday to Friday, 9am 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 (BFCG):

Distance

Adult - Normal Price

Adult - £2 Cap Grant

Young Person - Normal Price

Young Person - £2 Cap Grant

Concession*

0 to 2 miles

£2.50

£2

£1.87

£1.87

Free

2 to 4 miles

£4.00

£2

£3.00

£2

Free

4 to 6 miles

£6.00

£2

£4.50

£2

Free

6+ miles

£8.00

£2

£6.00

£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 10 people, so that’s you plus 9 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, 9am till 12pm at 01245 203952 (excluding bank holidays).


Other useful links

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.