Aberdeenshire Council has launched a mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) pilot involving a mobile app for people to request local buses.
The Demand Responsive Transport initiative began in the Inverurie area earlier this month, using the Ready2Go app and working with five minibuses operated by Watermill Coaches.
It enables passengers to request a bus, in which case they will be provided with a pick-up time and location if one is free, or make bookings ahead based on information on departure and arrival times.
If booking ahead they will receive an acknowledgement, then a confirmation close to the time of travel. They can also make bookings on behalf of other people.
The app, developed with MaaS specialist moovit.com, will also enable them to track a bus on a map in real time, and obtain details of any alternative bus services in the area.
Councillor Peter Argyle, chair of the council’s infrastructure services committee, said: “We have consulted with customers, stakeholders and suppliers to gain a far better understanding of travel needs and this has helped shape this excellent new flexible service which I am sure will be of real benefit to local residents.”
The service is connected to some of the main transport hubs in the area, including Inverurie, Insch and Kintore railway stations.
Image from iStock, Franz12
