Councils should introduce DRT to plug service gaps, report advises

A report by Transport Focus has advised that councils should provide demand responsive transport (DRT) services to help fill the gap in bus services.

It found that DRT could provide a safety net for older and disabled people who need to make important journeys such as medical appointments. However, the report maintained that there were still doubts whether the transport be of much greater benefit to young people as conventional bus services.

David Sidebottom, Transport Focus passenger director, said: “As local authority supported bus services across the country face funding reductions, some areas are being left with little or no bus service at all. ‘On demand’ services can provide an attractive alternative.

“We urge local transport authorities to bear our findings in mind. Demand responsive transport services as an alternative to conventional bus services could be an effective solution but awareness and benefits of the schemes has to be actively promoted.”