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More on KentOnline
From today, seven bus routes in Sevenoaks will be temporarily replaced by a new on-demand alternative in response to the coronavirus.
Passengers needing to travel for essential reasons can now book their journey through the Go2 mobile app by selecting their pick up and drop off location.
The new bus replaces the usual 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 services operated by Go Coach.
It will run between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday and aims to pick passengers up within half an hour.
KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne said: “I’m grateful to Go Coach and my team at Kent Public Transport who have been able to react to the current situation and put this trial in place which offers the best possible service they can with the limited bus driver resource currently available.
“As the coronavirus pandemic continues with a country-wide shut down, bus passenger numbers in Kent have dropped dramatically. Kent Public Transport have worked hard with the operators to ensure services continue as best as they are able, whilst at the same time supporting the sustainability of their business operations.
“With this bookable service, which we have helped fund, residents will continue to be able to make crucial journeys to the shops, work or for medication, at no extra cost beyond their regular bus fares at this time.
“Those booking the service will be able to travel to anywhere within Sevenoaks, without the need to change bus, and additional links to Pembury, Orpington, Queen Mary’s and Princess Royal hospitals have been added to support those NHS workers who rely on public transport.”
Users can download the app in the iOS and Google Play store from today.
The scheme is on a three-month trial period and was introduced because of falling passenger numbers.
Austin Blackburn, owner of Go Coach said: “I’m very proud to be doing something positive to help our passengers during these very difficult times and whilst I appreciate it is not ideal, I hope it will help those that need to travel.
“Developing Go2 would not have been possible in such a short time without the commitment of our staff and our partners at KCC and ViaVan, which has provided the technology to make this work.
“I’m also pleased to say that passengers will be able to exercise social distancing on this new service.”
On the Go2 app, users will be able to track their bus’s movements for pick up times and any changes to arrivals.
Current bus fares will continue to apply, and people with bus passes can continue to take advantage of the concessionary schemes.
Further information can be found at www.go-coach.co.uk.
