MK alerts market to DRT opportunities

Milton Keynes Council is setting up a five-year dynamic purchasing system for shared taxi and demand responsive transport operators that could be used to replace traditional bus routes. Says the council: “The council is seeking shared taxi/DRT providers to cover a variety of possible contracts including but not exclusively emergency transport provision and longer-term shared ride alternative services in the place of more traditional bus routes.” In January the council began reimbursing DRT operator ViaVan for carrying English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passengers in the Emerson Valley area of Milton Keynes. The area is also served by an infrequent subsidised bus route. The council is assessing whether the DRT route provides a more attractive option for bus users, to inform a review of the entire tendered network in October (LTT 24 Jan).