On Thursday 6 February, stakeholders gathered in Hartlepool to launch the new Tees Flex demand-responsive service, reports Jonathan Welch
Demand responsive transport services are in vogue at the minute, and quickly gaining popularity as a way of trying to tempt car drivers onto public transport, by providing a more flexible, ‘go anywhere’ service to areas which might not otherwise support a regular bus service. The latest DRT scheme to launch was unveiled at a special event at Hartlepool’s Museum of the Royal Navy at lunchtime on 6 February, with guests including stakeholders, politicians, local media and operator Stagecoach North East.
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The pilot scheme will operate for a period of three years, and the service aims to connect residents and communities across the more isolated parts of the Tees Valley region with essential services, as well as training and employment opportunities. A fleet of 11 new EVM Mercedes-Benz Sprinters will operate the service, each of which carries a bright blue livery designed with considerable input from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and Mayor, which reflects the landmarks of the region.
Internally, the buses look modern and bright, and whilst they are undeniably small, they still have the feel of a quality ‘big bus.’ Flat side panels give a more bus-like feel, whilst the 2+1 seating layout maximises space and capacity. The wide doors open outwards to reveal ample space for a wheelchair
user to board and manoeuvre, aided by a large manually-operated ramp. Bell pushes are within easy reach, mounted either on the side panel or window ledge, whilst a small area to the left of the door can accommodate small items of baggage. One row of seats are directly in the low-floor area, giving easy access for those who have difficulty with steps, but drivers will be able to offer assistance as needed to those who struggle. I couldn’t help but notice that the Tees Flex logo had been placed so as to partly obscure the rear destination screen, which seems an unfortunate oversight.
Nine of the buses will be in use every day, covering three separate areas: Redcar and Cleveland, Darlington and Stockton, and Hartlepool. There is a defined area within which any journey between any two destinations can be undertaken, plus journeys can be undertaken to a limited number of pre-defined fixed points outside that zone such as hospitals or to connect with public transport. Journeys cannot be undertaken between zones, for which passengers are directed to existing public transport options via the pre-defined connection points. If successful, the Combined Authority hopes to extend the pilot beyond the initial three year term. The initial plan is to use three buses in each zone, though Stagecoach North East Managing Director Steve Walker said that there was flexibility to move buses around should the need arise.
Passengers can pre-book the bus via a smartphone app, on the Tees Flex website, or over the phone. The app has been developed by ViaVan, and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. ViaVan is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and global specialist transport solutions provider Via, which operates in cities across the USA, South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen had hoped to be present, but was unable to attend and sent his apologies. In support of the launch, he said: “Local people rightly demand a high quality, low cost way of getting around Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. There are far too many people cut off in rural communities that find it difficult to see their friends and family, access essential health services, get to the supermarket or, most importantly, the jobs and training opportunities that we are creating across the region.”
In his place, Councillor Heather Scott, Tees Valley’s Portfolio Holder for Transport, and Leader of Darlington Council, attended the event. “I’m absolutely delighted,” she said, “We are delighted to have the involvement of Stagecoach. It is important to people in rural areas to have connectivity, to be able to get to doctors appointments, to go shopping. The rural areas have been somewhat disenfranchised by bus services, I’m delighted that the Government has announced today that services such as ours are a good idea and that more funding is being made available.
“In my area, there is only one bus service a week. This service will give residents the opportunity to get to the places they need to be. I’m very impressed with the buses too. Now we have to encourage people to use it, I’m confident it will be worth it.”
Stagecoach North East Managing Director Steve Walker added: “We’ve done DRT in various parts of the country, but the app technology and the technology solution here is new to the group. We will be using our existing drivers, it has been very popular, many were keen to be involved in a new project.” Steve foresees a mix of age ranges and reasons for passengers to use the service, but said it would be interesting to see how the demographic profile pans out. Concession card holders will be able to travel for free on the service, whilst for fare-paying passengers, the fare structure is simple.
There will be four fare bands: Under 2 miles, 2-5 miles, 5-10 miles, and 10+ miles, with a single adult fare of £1, £2, £3 and £4 respectively. Adult return fares are 1.5 times the equivalent single, whilst under 19s pay a single fare of half the adult rate.
Stagecoach Chief Executive Martin Griffiths was also in attendance, and said he was delighted to see so many people at the event. “This is a really exciting project, and one that can only work if everyone works together to make it a success. We operate a lot of buses in this part of the world, but we recognise that rural connectivity is not as good as it could be, it is a big issue,” he said.
Speaking about the Government’s announcement of more funding for DRT projects, he added: “Buses were seen as a poor relation for a while. Politicians are now realising that bus is so important.” He spoke of his optimism that the scheme would be able to continue beyond the three year trial period. “We can make it work if we bring passion and commitment. Lets all work together and make this a success.”
The Tees Flex service will go live on 24 February.
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