Newsroom

Councillors briefed on new demand responsive transport service pilots

Nottinghamshire county councillors in parts of the county where a new Demand Responsive Travel bus service is set to be introduced, have today been briefed on more details prior to its launch on 30 August.

Nottsbus On Demand is a new flexible way to travel by bus. Unlike a traditional bus service, Nottsbus On Demand doesn’t have a fixed route or follow a timetable. Instead, the buses can travel anywhere between bus stops or designated points within the operating zones, where there is not already a scheduled bus service running.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE,  Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council said “Nottsbus On Demand is,  a brand new on demand bus service, where passengers can choose when they would like to travel by booking their journey through an easy-to-use app or on the telephone.

“The buses can travel anywhere between bus stops and designated points within the different zones, where there is not already a scheduled bus service running. The smart technology matches journeys with other customers travelling in the same direction so they can be picked up along the way.

“As a Council we’re wholly committed to offering reliable, affordable, and greener transport options for local people, wherever they need to travel to.  This new service is an exciting step for the council, and I’d urge people to make use of this flexible new way to travel once it arrives.”

Nottsbus On Demand will be trialled in the villages around Retford, Ollerton and Newark. These areas have been divided into North Ollerton & South Ollerton On Demand Zones. An evening service is also being trialled in Mansfield.

The funding for this project comes from the Government’s National Bus Strategy Rural Mobility fund which saw Nottinghamshire awarded £1.5m.

The new services will be promoted within the local areas in which they will operate with advice on how to download the app, contact details etc to ensure everyone knows about the service and is clear on how to use.

Passengers can book journeys ‘on demand’ as required or make an advance booking if they are travelling the next day. Passengers can also pay in the app or on the bus and concessionary fare users can still travel free after 0930.

For further information including Frequently Asked Questions please visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/nottsbusondemand

ENDS