Aberdeenshire Council has launched a demand-responsive transport service, and corresponding mobility app, to provide Inverurie residents with better access to public transport.
Starting 16 August, passengers travelling in the Inverurie area will be able to use the free Ready2Go app to plan transport journeys and book demand-responsive rides with real-time arrival information. This offering was created in partnership with Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions provider Moovit.
Until now, the council has operated a phone-based request and dispatch service for dial-a-bus services. It said as a way to modernise and provide better access to public transport, the council has partnered with Moovit to digitise the new Ready2Go Inverurie service. The service aims to shorten wait times and make it easy to book and track buses.
Furthermore, the on-demand service will also connect to some of the main transport hubs in the area including Inverurie, Insch and Kintore railway stations to help improve onward travel opportunities.
The Ready2Go app combines official information from local transport agencies as well as crowdsourced information to calculate the best route for each journey with mobility options like bus and rail. It also incorporates accessibility features, designed to empower people with disabilities to use public transport with more assurance.
“Since the Covid 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 Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire council’s infrastructure services committee.
“Peak workers’ travel requirements – which formed the previous service 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 shape this excellent new flexible service which I am sure will be of real benefit to local residents.”
