TING to be extended

A trial of the Stagecoach East-operated TING demand responsive transport service in Cambridgeshire is to be extended until June 2022.

Launched in October 2021, TING allows passengers to book their trips via an app, with the bus picking them up at their chosen time. It allows passengers to travel anywhere in the service zone for £2 each way. A youth fare of £1 was introduced on the service yesterday (28 March 2022).

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has recommended for approval a three-month extension of TING.

Throughout February and March 2022 an in-person survey of passengers on conventional buses in the same area as TING was undertaken. It found that 80% of people riding the public bus reaffirmed the need for the TING service with passengers highlighting the need for better connections, more stops and consistent service.

Since its launch, TING buses made 10,443 journeys across West Huntingdonshire (part of Cambridgeshire). The service is operated using four small single-decker buses.

“So far, the popularity of the service has proven to me that there is absolutely a need for affordable, demand-style public transport in rural areas” – Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: “The TING trial aims to determine whether demand responsive bus services would be a viable and valuable addition to our public transport network. So far, the popularity of the service has proven to me that there is absolutely a need for affordable, demand-style public transport in rural areas. It has been encouraging to see passenger numbers continue to increase significantly with now over 90 journeys per day. A continuation of this trial will mean that officers can make the necessary data to testify to its demand. Having spoken to and seen feedback from local people about how they are incorporating TING into their daily routines, I am passionate that this trial should continue.

“To ensure that we can continue running the service and can expand to other areas in the region, we must show its worth to the community. I encourage everyone living in West Huntingdonshire to make use of TING.”