On-demand services are to replace a number of Go Coach bus routes in Sevenoaks, Kent, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Branded Go2 and using a new mobile app developed and powered by ViaVan, a three-month trial period of on-demand services will replace seven fixed bus routes operated by Go Coach from 14 April.
The change is to protect bus services for key workers, such as NHS staff, and others reliant on buses for transportation in the wake of falling passenger numbers and uncertainty from the pandemic situation.
The service will run between 0600hrs and 1800hrs, Monday to Saturday, picking passengers up within half an hour. Users will be able to track bus movements for pick-up times and changes to arrival estimates via the Go2 app. Current fares and concessionary travel schemes will continue to apply.
Go Coach owner Austin Blackburn says: “I’m proud to be doing something positive to help our passengers during these difficult times.
“Developing Go2 would not have been possible in such a short time without the commitment of our staff and partners at Kent County Council (KCC) and ViaVan, which has provided the technology to make this work.
“I’m also pleased to say that passengers will be able to exercise social distancing on this new service.”
CEO of ViaVan Chris Snyder adds: “Knowing that getting critical staff to work reliably and safely has never been more important, we are eager to adapt the Go2 network to support essential mobility for critical healthcare workers during these challenging times.”
