The ArrivaClick demand responsive minibus service will be expanded to Watford in March 2020 with seven minibuses.
Watford is the fourth location for ArrivaClick, although the group ended the launch pilot – in Sittingbourne – on 16 November. The Watford operation will be under contract to Watford Borough Council for four years. There is an option of a two-year extension.
ArrivaClick in Watford forms part of the council’s wider strategy to develop an integrated approach to improving sustainable transport options in the town. It will serve many local points of importance including Warner Brothers Studios.
Fares will range from £1 per mile at off-peak times to £2.50 per mile during “super high” demand. Weekly passes will also be available. The service will run daily, with later finishes on Fridays and Saturdays.
Although Arriva had said that the high-floor minibuses previously utilised in Sittingbourne would be moved to other ArrivaClick locations, the Watford service will be operated with low-floor examples.
Says Arriva Commercial Director UK Bus Alistair Hands: “We’re delighted to be working with Watford Borough Council. It should be applauded for its forward-looking approach to addressing connectivity issues.
“We’re in conversation with a number of other local authorities and interested third parties to explore the role that demand responsive transport can play as part of the mix in encouraging the uptake of public transport.”
Watford Borough Council says that all seven minibuses will be used at peak times, dropping to five in the off-peak. Arriva anticipates delivering 269,000 daily rides in year four of the tender.
