Aberdeenshire Council, is announcing the launch of Ready2Go, a new demand-responsive transport service and corresponding mobility app to provide residents with better access to public transport. Starting August 16, passengers travelling in the Inverurie area will be able to use the free Ready2Go iOS and Android app to plan transport journeys and book demand-responsive rides with real-time arrival information. This offering was created in partnership with Moovit, an Intel company, a leading Mobility as a Service solutions provider and creator of the #1 urban mobility app. 

Until now, Aberdeenshire Council has operated a phone-based request and dispatch service for dial-a-bus services. As a way to modernise and provide better access to public transport, Aberdeenshire Council has partnered with Moovit to digitise the new Ready2Go Around Inverurie service, shorten wait times and make it easy to book and track buses.

Users of the Ready2Go app are able to book demand-responsive transport rides at short notice or book in advance. Users of the service should enjoy decreased wait times as they can view the minibus’ real-time arrival information and track the vehicle along its route. Passengers will also benefit from more efficient routes that only operate via pickup locations of people who have pre-booked their seat. The service will also connect to some of the main transport hubs in the area including Inverurie, Insch and Kintore railway stations to help improve onward travel opportunities.

Rides may be booked using the Ready2Go app or by calling the Council on 01467 535 333. The system will also provide the times of any other timetabled bus services operating in the area.

The Ready2Go app is powered by Moovit’s White Label App solution, and the demand-responsive transport service is powered by Moovit On-Demand solution, a dynamically-routed transport system that automatically assigns multiple passengers heading in the same direction to a shared vehicle. 

The Ready2Go app: 

• Suggests the most efficient routes: Once a user launches the Ready2Go app and inputs their destination, Ready2Go will display the most convenient routes 
• Enables users to book a Ready2Go journey: Users can select Ready2Go Transit On-Demand to book a seat 
• Directs passengers to a nearby pickup location: Once the journey is booked, passengers receive guidance on the walk route to a designated pickup location
• Provides passengers with real-time tracking: 
  • While waiting for their ride, Ready2Go users can track the approaching vehicle in real-time and view its ETA
  • While riding, users can view the route on the map, as well as the estimated time to drop off

• Enables future ride booking: Rides can be booked up to 7 days in advance

In addition to being able to book journeys, the Ready2Go app combines official information from local transport agencies as well as crowdsourced information to calculate the best route for each journey with mobility options like bus and rail. Ready2Go also provides real-time arrival information so users know exactly when their bus or train is arriving, a Live Directions feature with Get Off Alerts to provide step-by-step guidance for the entire journey, and Operator Service Alerts so they can avoid disruptions and plan their public transport journey accordingly. 

Ready2Go also incorporates accessibility features, empowering people with disabilities to use public transport with more assurance. For example, the app is optimised with screen reading features for low vision users, including TalkBack/VoiceOver capabilities,. The Ready2Go app is also designed with optimised menus and buttons for those with hand-motor disabilities.

“Since the Covid emergency, travel needs and travel demands have evolved with a massive increase in people working from home, a surge in online shopping and the development of tele-healthcare,” said Councillor Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee. “Peak workers’ travel requirements – which formed the previous service delivery priority – have diminished significantly and currently all travel demand by bus remains suppressed and generally more local. We have consulted with customers, stakeholders and suppliers to gain a far better understanding of travel needs and this has helped shape this excellent new flexible service which I am sure will be of real benefit to local residents.” 

“We are excited to partner with Aberdeenshire Council and power this new mobility offering for local residents for greater access to transport and shorter wait times,” said Yovav Meydad, Moovit’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer. “Complementary to traditional modes of transport, Moovit On-Demand can help residents get around more efficiently and gain more transparency into their ride.”

Vice-chair Councillor John Cox added: “This is an exciting time for travel in and around the Inverurie area and I am confident this enhanced transportation initiative will provide a better, more flexible type of service for many passengers and make getting around far more convenient.”

The Ready2Go app is available to download on the App Store or Google Play.