A new hourly bus service from Aylesham to Whitfield is set to launch from 24 November to replace the previous on-demand service. The new subsidised timetabled service will connect Aylesham to Whitfield via Snowdown, Nonington, Elvington and Eythorne.
The on-demand service was launched in 2023 subsidised through Section 106 developer funding from the Aylesham Garden Village development. This followed news that DDC had been working with operator Stagecoach and Aylesham Parish Council to introduce minibuses to help residents connect to facilities in Whitfield.
However, the use of the on-demand service has not met expectations. The future of the new service will depend on the level of use and available funding going forward.
DDC’s Cabinet agreed that the contract for the ‘demand responsive transport’ (DRT) service be amended to provide an hourly timetabled service, to help the funding go further. This follows continued work with key partners.
The new service will use the same type of sprinter vehicles as the on-demand service, so that it can access the rural routes. The buses are fully accessible, concession cards will be accepted, and the Kent Travel Saver bus pass will be accepted.
Fares will follow Stagecoach’s standard fare structure, with single fares ranging between £1.90 and £3, (the current national fare cap). The buses will run Monday to Saturday, (not Bank Holidays).
For full details of the timetable for the new service (route 92), or for more details on Stagecoach services, please see the Stagecoach website at www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
Posted on 10 November 2025