A new minibus service available for passengers to order to bus stops has marked 10,000 journeys since its launch.
Since the ride-sharing service PickMeUp launched on High Wycombe roads 12 weeks ago, thousands of passengers have signed up to travel from a ‘virtual’ bus stop to any destination within Wycombe area.
The Uber-style bus service operated by Carousel Buses is designed to get more people using active modes of transport instead of car journeys.
So far, the response has been “highly positive,” Carousel Buses interim managing director Luke Marion said.
He commented: “To break the 10,000 passengers journey barrier ahead of schedule is a great landmark achievement. We’ve experienced a highly positive response to the service, with more than 3,400 people in the area having signed up already.
“We believe it further demonstrates demand responsive transport can play a key role in helping improve air quality and traffic congestion in the UK in conjunction with traditional bus services.”
During the hours of operation between 6am to 7pm Monday to Friday passengers can summon a PickMeUp bus via an app. A telephone booking system is available for anyone not using a smartphone.
On-demand services could help fill gaps “on the fringes of towns and cities which aren’t always well served by traditional, fixed bus routes,” Go-Ahead Group’s customer and commercial director Mark Anderson said.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Steven Broadbent said while Wycombe had “a comprehensive existing bus network,” there were some areas the main buses couldn’t serve because of “location, demand for the bus or size of the vehicle.”
The ultra-low emission minibuses are wheelchair accessible, and have Wi-Fi and USB charging points on board.
Prices of journeys vary from £2 to £3.50 depending on the distance.
Between January 1 and March 31 2023 all PickMeUp journey prices will be capped at £2 as part of Carousel's cost of living support scheme.
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