Aberdeenshire Council has launched a new demand-responsive transport (DRT) service that will give its residents better access to public transport.
Ready2Go is the mobility app behind the service and from this week passengers travelling in the Inverurie area will be able to use the free Ready2Go iOS and Android apps, to plan transport journeys and book demand-responsive transport rides with real-time arrival information.
Users of the Ready2Go app are able to book demand-responsive transport rides at short notice or in advance. Users of the service should enjoy decreased wait times, as they can view the minibus’ real-time arrival information and track the vehicle along its route. Passengers will also benefit from more efficient routes that only operate via the pickup locations of people who have pre-booked their seat.
The service will also connect to some of the main transport hubs in the area – including Inverurie, Insch and Kintore railway stations – to help to improve onward travel opportunities, reports Intelligent Transport.
Until now, Aberdeenshire Council has operated a phone-based request and dispatch service for dial-a-bus services. As a way to modernise and provide better access to public transport, Aberdeenshire Council has partnered with Moovit to digitise the new Ready2Go Around Inverurie service, shorten wait times and make it easy to book and track buses.
“Since the COVID-19 emergency, travel needs and travel demands have evolved, with a massive increase in people working from home, a surge in online shopping and the development of tele-healthcare,” said Councillor Peter Argyle, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee. “Peak workers’ travel requirements – which formed the previous service’s delivery priority – have diminished significantly and, currently, all travel demand by bus remains suppressed and generally more local. We have consulted with customers, stakeholders and suppliers to gain a far better understanding of travel needs, and this has helped to shape this excellent new flexible service which, I am sure, will be of real benefit to local residents.”
Vice-Chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor John Cox, added: “This is an exciting time for travel in and around the Inverurie area, and I am confident that this enhanced transportation initiative will provide a better, more flexible type of service for many passengers and will make getting around far more convenient.”
