Resident survey for Digital Demand Responsive Transport (D-DRT)

Overview

What is Digital Demand Responsive Transport (D-DRT)? 

Digital Demand Responsive Transport (D-DRT) operates flexibly, where you want, when you want (think of it like a shared Uber).  It is not like a conventional bus, which runs to a fixed timetable, stops and routes. 

A D-DRT service uses smaller vehicles, such as minibuses, and can be pre-booked in advance (like a taxi) or booked on-demand (when you need it quickly). 

The service uses a mobile phone app that enables you to book your journey, see in real-time when the vehicle will arrive and make payment.  For those without a smartphone, telephone booking remains an option. 

Typically, D-DRT is a shared service with other passengers who are going in a similar direction or destination.  They will pick you up near to your actual origin and drop you at your destination – think of it as a service that offers the benefits of both a personalised taxi service and a conventional fixed route bus. 

Passengers will also have an opportunity to rate their journey in the app and provide feedback if they wish.  This feedback will be used to constantly improve and evaluate the service. 

How would the app work? 

After downloading the app and completing a simple registration process, you’ll be ready to book your journey(s). 

To get started, you’d enter your origin and choose your destination in the app.  The app will then offer a proposed journey instantly, along with the estimated time of arrival at the desired pick-up point, the short walking route to the pick-up point, expected journey time and the cost.  

Upon confirming your journey, your seat will be guaranteed. 

It should be noted that the app will not let you book a journey that can be reasonably taken by existing public transport provision.  

Travelling with friends or family? 

One passenger can book for themselves and for up to five other people to travel together on the same vehicle.  

How does sharing work? 

During your journey, if there is a seat available, other passengers might be picked up if they are travelling in a similar direction.  The app ensures that any pick-ups along the journey will not impact on your required arrival time. 

How does payment work? 

At the end of your journey, the registered payment card will be charged the quoted fare accepted when you booked the journey.  

What if I am not tech-savvy? 

Plenty of help and assistance will be available, through video tutorials and potentially a D-DRT champion who can guide you through the process the first time. 

However, if you do not have a smartphone, or remain unsure how to book via the app, journeys can be booked by speaking to an operative. 

Why your views matter

We want to gather residents’ views on Digital Demand Responsive Transport (D-DRT) to inform a potential future strategy around this and how it may lead to more sustainable travel and reduced car-use in Essex. 

The survey is one of the inputs alongside other primary and secondary research into the field of D-DRT, conducted as part of a project with Anglia Ruskin University. 

This survey seeks to: 

• Understand the level of interest for this type of service; 

• Understand any Essex residents’ concerns; and 

• Identify any issues not already considered by Essex County Council.

Please note that this is not a full formal consultation, it is a research survey to obtain residents' views on D-DRT.