On-demand buses rushed into free Timaru service
Timaru’s trial on-demand buses have been rushed into service as Environment Canterbury responds to the Covid-19 lockdown.
MyWay, which allows passengers to use an app or dial a call centre to pick up a bus, had been set to go public in April as part of the ongoing trial but will now be introduced as a free service to replace the town’s four’s bus routes for the lockdown period.
With the lockdown effectively forcing people to avoid travel except for essential services, the MyWay service will be able to pick people up and take them to pharmacies and supermarkets.
‘‘If, from Thursday on, you require public transport to get to work in essential services, or for medical reasons, or to get to the supermarket, please call us on 688 5544 or by downloading the MyWay app to arrange this,’’ an ECan spokesperson said.
ECan’s senior manager public transport, Stewart Gibbon, said the service will be responsive to the community’s needs, and will enable the physical distancing measures required under the lockdown.
Gibbon said to help protect drivers from handling cash or cards the service will be free.
‘‘We have been piloting this service for a few weeks now and had planned to introduce it to the community in April. The pilot is now on hold.
‘‘However, given the emergency requirements now in place, MyWay allows us to be responsive to the town’s needs and will enable the physical distancing measures required under Level Four.’’
Gibbon said passengers can request a ride, advising their location, destination, and any accessibility needs, and will be provided with a pickup time and nearby location. Return journeys may also be booked.
‘‘We have four vehicles ready to go, and the ability to scale up if required. Passengers will use every second row, meaning our vehicles will carry only three or four passengers at a maximum.
‘‘We’re offering the service at extended hours, 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, and we expect these measures to remain in place for at least four weeks.
‘‘As a reminder, if you are unwell and need to travel, you must use private transport,’’ he said.
‘‘Ritchies and their drivers are eager to support our community by providing this on-demand service, and we are also looking at whether we might be able to leverage the flexibility of the MyWay service to provide additional resources for essential deliveries.’’