A new on-demand public transport service has gone live in Sevenoaks, Kent to ensure continued essential travel during the pandemic.

The Go2 service enables residents to make essential journeys during the pandemic at no extra cost beyond their regular bus fares

The Go2 service is live from today (14 April 2020) and replaces seven fixed-route bus lines, which have been temporarily stopped due to lack of passengers and issues with bus driver resources.

Run by Go Coach in partnership with Kent Public Transport, the three-month trial provides a bookable service using a mobile app developed and powered by ViaVan, and operates like a shared taxi, meaning that journeys will be made only when and where they are required.

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne said: “As the coronavirus pandemic continues with a country-wide shut down, bus passenger numbers in Kent have dropped dramatically. Kent Public Transport have worked hard with the operators to ensure services continue as best as they are able, whilst at the same time supporting the sustainability of their business operations.

“With this bookable service, which we have helped fund, residents will continue to be able to make crucial journeys to the shops, work or for medication, at no extra cost beyond their regular bus fares at this time.”

The service enables travel anywhere within Sevenoaks, without the need to change bus, supported by additional links to Pembury, Orpington, Queen Mary’s and Princess Royal hospitals.