The ArrivaClick demand-responsive transport (DRT) concept in Liverpool will take over tendered route 211 in Speke from Monday 2 September 2019 as part of a 12-month trial to examine how DRT can complement the area’s existing public transport network.
The 211 Speke circular will be replaced by an ArrivaClick minibus that can be summoned either via app or, for concessionary pass holders, through Merseytravel’s contact centre.
ArrivaClick captures Speke route on DRT basis
Maximum wait time is planned to be 30 minutes for the DRT service and passengers will not need to wait at a stop. Instead, they will be collected at an agreed time within 100m of their desired pick-up point and dropped off as close to their destination as possible.
Branded the ArrivaClick Speke Zone, the new service will extend Arriva’s existing DRT offering on Merseyside. If the trial is successful, it may be expanded further, says Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
“We are excited to trial this service with Arriva. While it may take some getting used to, we hope that passengers will see the benefits in terms of frequency, convenience and quality.
“Should the trial be a success, this model could offer a solution to helping to improve bus services in areas that aren’t currently well-served, especially as we face increasing budget challenges in funding supported routes.”
Dedicated vehicle
One minibus will be dedicated to the Speke DRT during daytime hours, Monday to Saturday. Merseytravel estimates that fares will be no more than £4.50. Because the vehicles used lack ticket machines, period passes such as Solo and MyTicket will not be accepted.
Adds Howard Farrall, Arriva Merseyside MD: “We believe that the introduction of ArrivaClick onto this route will be innovative for customers living and travelling in the area. It will pick up and drop off at much more local and convenient places.”
ArrivaClick was launched in Liverpool in 2018.
