An on-demand bus service that allows users to choose when and where they want to travel, will be piloted in the Bedale area.
YorBus will be run by North Yorkshire County Council and will allow users to book via a dedicated app, which will be available to download from June 28.
YorBus is a demand responsive transport (DRT) service that allows passengers to book a ride on-demand, anywhere within operating area.
Once a desired pickup and drop-off location has been selected, riders will be directed to a nearby bus stop for quick and efficient pooled rides that reduce detours and also carbon emissions.
Officials say YorBus will complement and extend the existing public transport network in the region.
The mobile app, created by tech company Via, allows passengers to plan and track their bus journey.
It also enables them to track the bus while waiting for its arrival and to track how the journey is going while on the bus.
The service will be trial in Bedale, as well as Masham and Ripon.
County Councillor Don MacKenzie, executive member for access, said: “The YorBus project is intended to provide transport to help people to travel to work, to go shopping, to attend medical appointments and to access other services, which they need.
“We hope it will offer a viable and affordable alternative to the private motor car.
“The flexibility of the scheme also means that a high proportion of seats on buses will be occupied on every journey, which will lead to better value for money and greater environmental benefits too.”
The service will run from 6.55am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on Saturdays.
There will be a flat fare for using the service; £1.20 for adults and 65p for children between the ages of 5-17.
Customers can choose to pay through the app or on the bus.
Children under 5 can travel for free and concessionary bus passes can be used on the service, subject to existing Terms and Conditions.
In addition, YorBus is fully accessible, with low floor access and a ramp access for users of wheelchairs, pushchairs and those with mobility difficulties.
To promote the launch of YorBus, North Yorkshire County Council are running roadshows to speak to residents about the service, stopping off at the following locations:
- Tuesday 22nd June 09:30-11:30: Bedale
- Wednesday 23rd June 09:30-11:30: Masham
- Thursday 24th June 09:30-11:30: Ripon
- Thursday 24th June 13:00-14:00: Grewelthorpe
- Thursday 24th June 14:30-15:30: Kirkby Malzeard
- Friday 25th June 09:30-11:30: Lightwater Valley
- Friday 25th June 13:30-15:30: Fountains Abbey
For further information on the YorBus service, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/YorBus
Be the first to comment