A new on-demand bus service operating in response to a mobile app has gone into operation around Sevenoaks.
Kent County Council has highlighted the availability of the service, run by Go Coach and using the Go2 app developed by ViaVan, as a replacement for regular services that have been suspended due to the coronavirus crisis.
It has begun a three-month trial period with the aim of maintaining bus services for key workers. The app is available through the Apple Store and Google Play.
It enables the user to book a journey and track the bus’s movements for pick-up and estimated arrival times.
Quick reaction
Kent’s cabinet member for highways and transport Michael Payne said: “I’m grateful to Go Coach and my team at Kent Public Transport who have been able to react to the current situation and put this trial in place, which offers the best possible service they can with the limited bus driver resource currently available.
“As the coronavirus pandemic continues with a country-wide shut down, bus passenger numbers in Kent have dropped dramatically. Kent Public Transport have worked hard with the operators to ensure services continue as best as they are able, whilst at the same time supporting the sustainability of their business operations.
“With this bookable service, which we have helped fund, residents will continue to be able to make crucial journeys to the shops, work or for medication, at no extra cost beyond their regular bus faresat this time.”
He added that the service, which will run from 6.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, will go anywhere in Sevenoaks with links to other hospital locations.
Go Coach operates the local bus services that have been temporarily suspended and replaced by the on-demand service.
