Go-Ahead bringing new DRT to North Lincolnshire
Go-Ahead-owned East Yorkshire has won a contract from North Lincolnshire Council to provide demand-responsive buses in the region.
East Yorkshire will operate the new ‘JustGo’ on-demand services across North Lincolnshire, aimed at connecting communities, providing access to jobs and growing the local economy. The service uses the latest customer technology, enabling passengers to hail a ride through a smartphone with the ‘JustGo’ app, was developed in conjunction with tech company Liftango.
With just a tap on the app or a phone call, passengers can request their journey and choose where they get picked up (using local meeting points). The on-demand service enables journeys to families, friends or vital services, and provides a solution for accessing workplaces such as Scunthorpe and Humberside airport, at times to suit shift patterns and staggered working hours. The service can be booked up to 30 days in advance up until the day of departure.
The new service is in addition to the country’s existing on-demand bus service, Call Connect.
Go-Ahead has operated DRT services before: including a one-year trial in Sutton in conjunction with TfL, and a two-year trial in Oxford of the PickMeUp service. As JustGo is contracted by North Lincolnshire Council, East Yorkshire can focus on providing a high-quality transport service and building a customer base without revenue risk.
The fleet of minibuses will follow all social distancing regulations and provide hand sanitiser on board. There will be wifi and charging points available on every bus.
Ben Gilligan, Area Director, East Yorkshire Buses, said: “We are delighted North Lincolnshire Council has chosen us to operate the authority’s new on-demand bus network. Using the expertise within East Yorkshire and across our sister companies in the Go-Ahead Group, and alongside technology provider Liftango, we are excited to deliver a high quality transport service for the residents of North Lincolnshire.
“The JustGo North Lincs brand, and forthcoming smartphone app, show our commitment to creating a modern, technology-based solution to public transport, operating as a standalone service with dedicated vehicles and drivers to better connect communities across the county.”
Kevin Orr, CEO, Liftango, said: “We are pleased to partner with East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Council to ensure that rural based residents have a convenient & affordable transportation option and can move around the County in a safe, reliable manner at times most convenient to their personal schedules.
“It’s great to work with organisations like East Yorkshire that are continually improving the services they offer. Demand-responsive transport is such a fundamental part of creating a sustainable transportation network for rural areas. Our technology is enabling coverage and experiences not previously provided with traditional fixed-route transit services.”