East Suffolk Council
App launched for on-demand bus service
An on-demand bus service providing transport for rural communities is now even easier to book following the launch of a new app.
Working alongside local community transport operator, CATS (Coastal Accessible Transport Service), East Suffolk Council introduced the Katch service in April. The service provides on-demand transport between Framlingham, Wickham Market, Campsea Ashe and Snape.
The 12-seater accessible Katch minibus can be booked through a dedicated website, by phone and now via a new mobile app –365 Flexiroute - and will operate for 12 months, funded by the East Suffolk Council Community Partnership Board, with the intention of extending the contract if there is sufficient demand.
Cllr Toby Hammond, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Economic Development and Transport, said: “People living in rural areas without access to a car can struggle to find suitable, affordable transport to get them to their place of work or education. On demand transport services such as Katch help people to travel around the local area, getting to their school, employment or to meet with friends. It is also a great option for days out to Framlingham Castle, Snape Maltings, or further afield, for those travelling onward from Wickham Market railway station in Campsea Ashe.
“The introduction of the app will make booking a lift with Katch even easier and we would encourage people to use the service, which is currently on a 12-month trial and may only be extended if there is sufficient demand.”
The service runs from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6.30pm on Saturdays, and from 10am to 6pm on bank holidays, with stops in Framlingham, Wickham Market, Campsea Ashe and Snape.
Journeys can be booked via the 365 Flexiroute app or by calling CATS on 01728 635939 between 8.30am and 4.30pm on weekdays. Regular users will be able to benefit from a loyalty card, while young people will get a 25% discount by presenting an Endeavour Card (free from Suffolk County Council for 16 to 19-year-olds).
An official launch event was held on Tuesday 11 July, attended by representatives from East Suffolk Council, CATS, Richard Cooper from Marlesford Parish Council, East Suffolk’s Deputy Leader Cllr David Beavan and Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk ward councillor for Wickham Market.
Feedback on the app is welcomed and can be emailed to katch@cats-paws.co.uk