Arriva has launched its new Loop service in Milton Keynes after using demand-responsive transport (DRT) data to plan the commercial fixed-line route.
The innovative approach – based on usage stats for the MK Connect DRT – has led to a circular service with buses running up to every hour in clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
Having begun on 6 January in partnership with Milton Keynes City Council, the service is aimed at “providing vital connections between key destinations”, including the retail destinations of Kingston, Bletchley, and Westcroft, plus The Open University, MK Hospital and Stadium MK.
It also designed to integrate well with rail, taking in Milton Keynes Central Railway Station, Woburn Sands, Bow Brickhill and Bletchley.
The Woburn Sands and Bow Brickhill communities will further benefit as they are among areas served by Loop whichĀ have lacked a fixed-line bus service for some time.
The Loop buses been introduced with dedicated livery, while the yellow branding is also on display at the fully wrapped bus shelters along the route.
Arriva describes Loop as “the most significant expansion to the cityā€™s transport network in over five years”.
The new services were accompanied in January by a raft of changes brought to the city’s network by Arriva, which the operator says has improved the offering for passengers.
Matt King, Network Manager for Arriva, says: “The launch of Loop is a testament to how data-driven insights can shape more efficient and accessible public transport networks. Weā€™re proud to have welcomed over 10,000 customers in the routeā€™s inaugural month; a remarkable achievement.
“By leveraging DRT data, we have been able to identify real-world passenger demand and translate it into a commercially operated, fixed route service that meets the needs of both urban and rural communities.
“Loop features a dedicated driving team, whose hard work has been instrumental in the early success of the route.
“The positive feedback weā€™ve received from both existing and new customers has been incredibly encouraging, and we look forward to continuing to refine and improve the service based on their needs.ā€¯
