The relaunched m.connect-branded service in Moray has seen success with a passenger app from Liftango that allows bookings for its demand responsive element and journey planning.
Work on m.connect forms part of an overhaul of bus provision in Moray, and includes an increased marketing spend and greater vehicle availability. It represents the first stage of a £4.3 million Bus Revolution project in the area, of which £4 million is being provided by the Scottish Government and the remainder by Moray Council.
m.connect covers all of Moray, with 14 vehicles and five zones. It is a development of the previous Dial M for Moray service. The relaunch has delivered an increase in usage by 30% in the first month, Liftango says. A small number of timetabled services also fall under the m.connect brand.
Moray Council trialled the Liftango product in 2022, where the supplier adds that it was “able to overcome the mobile network and reception issues in Moray to provide a fully-functional digital experience for both passengers and the operator.”
The Liftango app allows journeys to be booked up to two weeks in advance and as close as one hour. It includes items such as journey creation and management, ticketing, vehicle tracking and notifications.
Moray Council Senior Project Officer Stevie Robertson says that the initial roll-out of the Liftango app has been successful and he notes that that further developments will be made to it going forwards. “It has been a pleasure to work with Liftango so far and I look forward to seeing users in Moray starting to realise the benefits of our new and improved digital service,” adds Mr Robertson.
Liftango Head of Europe David Mawhinney explains that the m.connect app is a white-label product. “We are delighted to be providing a solution that works in even the most isolated areas of Moray, helping m.connect to increase passenger usage and create an even more efficient demand responsive transport service for the people of Moray.”
