Teviot Taxi Launches New Berwickshire DRT Service

A significant enhancement to public transport in Berwickshire has arrived, promising improved connectivity for residents in the region's more rural locales. Following a successful two-year pilot of the innovative Digital Demand Responsive PINGO Service, a new era of flexible travel is commencing. From Monday, 20th May 2024, Teviot Taxi will take the helm, operating a new Berwickshire Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) taxi bus service designed to bridge existing transport gaps and offer a more tailored approach to local journeys.

This transition marks a pivotal moment, as the insights garnered from the PINGO pilot have been instrumental in shaping a service that is not only responsive to community needs but also sustainable for the long term. The aim is clear: to provide vital links for those who previously found accessing fixed-route bus networks or key amenities challenging due to their remote locations. This article will delve into the specifics of this exciting new service, outlining its operational details, booking procedures, and the broader benefits it brings to the Berwickshire community.

Understanding Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)

Before diving into the specifics of the new Berwickshire service, it's helpful to understand what Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) entails. Unlike traditional bus services that operate on fixed routes and timetables, DRT offers a far more flexible solution. It's a 'dial-a-ride' or 'book-a-bus' system where vehicles only travel where and when they are needed, based on passenger bookings. This model is particularly beneficial for rural areas where passenger numbers might not justify a frequent, fixed-route service, but where residents still require access to essential services, employment, education, and social opportunities.

The core principle of DRT is efficiency and adaptability. It minimises empty bus journeys, reduces carbon emissions, and provides a personalised transport option that can significantly enhance quality of life in areas underserved by conventional public transport. The Berwickshire service, operated by Teviot Taxi, embodies this principle, aiming to deliver a truly responsive and beneficial transport solution.

The PINGO Pilot: A Foundation for Success

The journey to this new service began with the PINGO Digital Demand Responsive Transport pilot, which ran for two years across the Borders. This innovative project was more than just a trial; it was a crucial data-gathering exercise, allowing transport authorities to understand the real-world demand for flexible travel in rural Berwickshire. The objective was ambitious: to introduce a digital demand responsive transport service that not only served the new Reston Station but also enhanced transport links into employment, education, and the fixed route bus network for people in more remote areas without regular public transport access.

The pilot achieved remarkable success, facilitating over 20,000 journeys across the Berwickshire locality, connecting people to work, leisure, and essential services. This invaluable experience, coupled with the feedback and enthusiasm from Berwickshire residents, proved foundational. It allowed for the identification of rural areas with high travel demand outside the fixed route network, directly informing the refined operating area for the new Teviot Taxi service. We extend our gratitude to Borders Buses, their dedicated drivers, The Routing Company, and local members for their crucial contributions to the pilot's success.

Teviot Taxi Takes the Wheel: The New Service Unveiled

With the current contract with Borders Buses concluding on 19th May, Teviot Taxi steps in to operate the new Berwickshire DRT taxi bus service. This transition ensures continuity of a vital service, albeit with some key improvements and adjustments based on lessons learned from the pilot phase. The new service officially commenced on Monday, 20th May 2024, promising a fresh approach to demand-responsive transport in the region.

One of the most notable changes is the reversion to a telephone booking system. While the PINGO pilot utilised a digital app, the decision to return to phone bookings aims to simplify the process and ensure accessibility for all users. Furthermore, to enhance the long-term sustainability of the service, it will be cleverly combined with existing school transport contracts. This innovative approach maximises the efficient use of vehicles throughout the day, providing a robust and cost-effective solution for the community.

Operational Details: Hours, Fares, and Coverage

The new Teviot Taxi service is designed to be comprehensive and accessible, operating seven days per week across a specifically defined area. This area has been meticulously mapped using the high-demand data gathered during the PINGO pilot, ensuring the service reaches those who need it most.

Service Area Coverage:

The Berwickshire Taxi Bus service will cover the following key rural areas, operating within a defined boundary:

• Westruther
• Longformacus
• Duns
• Preston
• Marygold
• Auchencrow
• Reston
• Ayton
• Chirnside
• Allanton

This targeted approach ensures that residents in these areas have improved access to the existing fixed-route bus network, as well as connections to local towns and amenities.

Operating Hours:

The service operates with specific hours tailored to meet peak and off-peak demand, ensuring availability when it matters most. Below is a detailed breakdown of the operating times:

These hours provide extensive coverage, allowing for both daytime and evening travel, particularly valuable for those commuting for work, education, or social engagements.

Fares and Concessions:

The fare structure for the new service is designed to be affordable and transparent. Prices are set as follows:

Crucially, Scottish Concessionary Travel Scheme cards and Under 22 Free Travel Scheme cards will be valid for travel, ensuring that vulnerable groups and younger residents can access the service without financial burden. This commitment to accessibility is a cornerstone of the new DRT model.

Booking Your Journey: Simple and Direct

The new Berwickshire taxi bus service has reverted to a telephone booking system, making it straightforward and direct. To book your journey, simply call 07709 171506.

• Advance Booking: Journeys can be booked any time up to 16:00 on the day before travel. This allows for efficient scheduling and ensures your travel needs are met.
• Same-Day Bookings: While advance booking is preferred, a small number of journeys may be accommodated by calling on the day of travel. These same-day bookings are subject to fitting with the driver's existing schedule and must be booked up to 1 hour before your intended travel time.
• No PINGO App: Please note that journeys will no longer be able to be booked using the Ride Pingo App.

It is important to remember that the service can only be booked where there are no alternative means of travel. If a journey can be made by an existing fixed-route bus service, priority will be given to that network. The Teviot Taxi service is designed to complement, not compete with, existing bus routes, ensuring the most efficient use of all available public transport options.

Synergy with Wider Bus Network Improvements

The launch of the Teviot Taxi DRT service is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to enhance transport accessibility across the Berwickshire locality. In conjunction with this new taxi bus service, there have been, and continue to be, positive changes to the wider bus network.

Since October 2023, and the withdrawal of Travelsure from the area, Borders Buses has stepped up, enhancing connections between Duns and Berwick. A new Service 32 was also introduced. Furthermore, in parallel with the DRT service, a new Borders Buses Service 34 timetable commenced, connecting Duns and Coldstream with three journeys per day. These improvements, alongside enhancements to services 60 and 67, collectively aim to significantly increase overall accessibility for Berwickshire residents.

This integrated approach demonstrates a commitment to building a comprehensive and resilient public transport network, where the new DRT service acts as a vital link, feeding into and expanding the reach of the established fixed-route services. This collaborative effort ensures that more residents, particularly those in remote areas, have reliable options for travel.

Smooth Transition and Ongoing Monitoring

The transition from the PINGO pilot to the new Teviot Taxi service is a significant undertaking, and transport authorities understand that it may impact some people's travel needs. Every effort will be made to ensure the transition between services is as smooth as possible. Like any new service, it will take time to fully 'bed in'. The Councils passenger transport team is committed to continuous monitoring and will make further adjustments as needed to optimise the service for the community.

Details of the new services will be communicated widely over the coming days and weeks. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the conclusion of the PINGO digital demand responsive bus service or the introduction of the new Teviot Taxi service, please do not hesitate to contact SBC’s passenger transport team: [email protected]. Your feedback is invaluable as the service continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about the new Berwickshire Taxi Bus service:

What is Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)?

DRT, or Demand Responsive Transport, is a flexible public transport service that operates without a fixed route or timetable. Vehicles pick up and drop off passengers based on pre-booked requests, making it ideal for areas where traditional bus services are not feasible or frequent enough. It's about providing transport where and when it's needed.

When did the new Teviot Taxi service start?

The new Berwickshire DRT taxi bus service, operated by Teviot Taxi, commenced operations on Monday, 20th May 2024, replacing the previous PINGO DRT pilot service.

Who operates the new Berwickshire DRT service?

The new Berwickshire DRT service is operated by Teviot Taxi, using a smaller 8-seat vehicle to provide flexible and efficient transport.

What areas does the Berwickshire Taxi Bus service cover?

The service covers specific rural areas within Berwickshire including Westruther, Longformacus, Duns, Preston, Marygold, Auchencrow, Reston, Ayton, Chirnside, and Allanton. The operating area was defined using data from the PINGO pilot, targeting high-demand rural locations.

What are the operating hours for the service?

The service operates seven days a week. From Monday to Thursday, hours are 10:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 21:00. On Friday, it operates from 10:00 – 11:45 and then 14:00 – 21:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, the service runs from 08:00 – 21:00.

How much does the service cost?

Fares are set at: Adult Single £3.00, Adult Return £5.40, Child Single £1.50, Child Return £2.70.

Are concessionary passes valid for travel?

Yes, Scottish Concessionary Travel Scheme cards and Under 22 Free Travel Scheme cards are valid for travel on the new Berwickshire Taxi Bus service.

How do I book a journey with Teviot Taxi?

Journeys can be booked by phone by calling 07709 171506. You can book any time up to 16:00 on the day before travel.

Can I book on the day of travel?

A small number of journeys may be accommodated on the day of travel, provided they fit with the driver's schedule. These must be booked up to 1 hour before your intended travel time.

Can I still use the PINGO app to book?

No, the new service has reverted to a telephone booking system. Journeys can no longer be booked using the Ride Pingo App.

Why can't I book if there's an existing bus route for my journey?

The service is designed to complement, not compete with, existing fixed-route bus networks. Priority is given to existing bus routes, and the DRT service is primarily for journeys where no alternative public transport means are available.

How does this service integrate with school transport?

To make the service more sustainable, it is combined with existing school transport contracts. This maximises the efficient use of vehicles throughout the day, benefiting the wider community.

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?

For any questions or concerns regarding the new service or the conclusion of the PINGO pilot, you can contact SBC’s passenger transport team at [email protected].

A Brighter Future for Berwickshire Transport

The introduction of the new Teviot Taxi Berwickshire DRT service marks a significant step forward in ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location, have access to reliable and flexible transport options. By leveraging the data and insights from the successful PINGO pilot, and by integrating with existing school transport contracts, this service is poised to deliver a sustainable and highly beneficial solution for years to come. It underscores a commitment to fostering better connectivity, supporting local communities, and enhancing the overall accessibility of public transport in rural Berwickshire. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this new service will have on the lives of many.

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