ArrivaClick, the demand-responsive app-based travel service serving Kent Science Park (KSP), is extending its operating hours. In response, Chalkwell has de-registered its commercial service, blaming Arriva and its “endless funding”.
From Monday (13 November) ArrivaClick started running into the late evenings, with a service in and around KSP and Sittingbourne from 0600-2200hrs Mondays-Saturdays. Previously, it stopped at 1930hrs.
Launched in April, it uses a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, with weekly and monthly passes available.
The day after Arriva’s announcement, Chalkwell said it will stop running its route from the railway station to the Science Park from . The Monday-Friday service, an extension of its circular route 9, runs four morning and five afternoon journeys, timed to provide staff transport.
Says Chalkwell Commercial Director Roland Eglinton: “We have provided a commercial service to KSP without subsidy or additional funding since 2003.
“Despite this, KSP chose to work with Arriva and introduce Click, which has undermined the commercial viability of our service.
“Since the introduction of Click we have seen rapidly reducing patronage, as we are unable to compete with Click’s increasingly reduced fares, free travel promotions, and multiple high-specification buses operating on demand. Users frequently get their own dedicated minibus without having to share with other users.”
Despite offering service improvements we cannot continue to compete with Arriva Click and the seemingly endless funding at their disposal.”
