Council starts search for new transport on demand operator
Published: 21 March 2024
DRT services run without a set timetable and typically use smaller vehicles, such as minibuses.
Bus operators are being invited to work with the Council on a new service to provide public transport on demand.
Demand responsive transport (DRT) is a flexible service that provides shared transport to users who simply provide their location, destination, and time of pick-up and drop-off.
The Derby Bus on Demand service will complement existing bus services and improve access to transport in areas where there are fewer transport options.
DRT services run without a set timetable and typically use smaller vehicles, such as minibuses, rather than fixed route bus services. To begin with, it will run in the south of the city, covering Abbey, Alvaston North, Arboretum, Littleover, Normanton, Sinfin and Sunnyhill, from Monday to Saturday.
The service will allow users to access several key employment and learning sites, such as Pride Park, Derby College (Roundhouse campus) and Infinity Park. Derby Arena, Moorways Sports Village and Derby County Football Club will also be accessible through the DRT service.
Users can book journeys via an app or by telephone. Contactless payments can also be made through the app or onboard the bus, providing a booking has been made in advance.
All journeys will begin and end within the defined area. Journeys to other destinations, including the City Centre, can be made by transferring to the local bus network.
Councillor Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:
DRT is an exciting addition to our growing transport network, offering citizens in areas less connected by public transport greater and more flexible transport choices.
We have chosen to pilot DRT in the south of the city to offer citizens a way of making continuous journeys to locations which are otherwise harder to get to, such as the Royal Derby Hospital.
Like all public transport, there’s also an environmental benefit to DRT, allowing citizens to use shared transport rather than using a car. I’m looking forward to seeing the project progress as operators get involved.
DRT is funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and Transforming Cities Fund and is a key part of the Government’s ambition to enhance bus services and usage across the UK.