Arriva will launch its ArrivaClick demand-responsive minibus service in Ebbsfleet on Monday 30 November. It will take to four the number of locations currently served by ArrivaClick and replace a trio of fixed-route bus services in the town. Up to three minibuses are to be used.
The flexible service will be provided in partnership with residential homebuilder Redrow and Henley Camsland, landowner of Whitecliffe.
ViaVan’s technology platform will be used and a minibus can be summoned via app between 0600 and 0100hrs Monday to Saturday, with a midnight finish on Sundays. Bookings will also be taken by phone, with those users required to pay by card on boarding.
Fares will start from £1 and are distance-based. Weekly tickets and ‘credit bundles’ will also be available on ArrivaClick in Ebbsfleet. As a launch incentive, the first ride will be offered free.
Each minibus will carry up to 15 passengers under normal conditions, although they will initially be limited to six to ensure social distancing. The extension of ArrivaClick to Ebbsfleet complements existing examples of the concept in Leicester, Liverpool and Watford.
ArrivaClick was launched in Kent in 2017 with a pilot in Sittingbourne. It was withdrawn there in 2019. Arriva said at that time that despite the service generating strong growth and a positive passenger reaction, Sittingbourne had not proved to be the right area for it.
