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Grand Central at the forefront of future transport solutions

Grand Central has supported the Community Transport Association (CTA) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), in the launch of a new report to explore the future of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT).

The partnership project report, which was launched this week (November 21), considers how the industry can rise to future transport challenges and organise travel through a more responsive passenger transport network.

Demand-responsive transport, or DRT, offers user-focused transport with flexible routes and smaller vehicles providing ride-sharing between pick-up and drop-off locations according to customer need. Powered by real-time digital apps, demand responsive transport places the power of connectivity in the traveller’s hands within a few clicks.

The Future of DRT report looks at how demand responsive travel can improve mobility and increase travel choice for people across the UK and recommends a need to make better use of new local authority powers to create networks akin to models in other European countries.

The report also recommends promoting the involvement of the voluntary sector in designing new transport networks, new Government funded competitions, and greater involvement from central Government to support local travel needs.

Grand Central drew on insight from its customers and communities in its contribution to the report, as well as providing sponsorship. The train company’s Managing Director, Richard McClean, also Rail Division Chair of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, introduced the report at its launch in London on November 21.

Richard said: “We’re excited to be at the forefront of building transport solutions for the future.

“Demand responsive transport has the potential to improve connectivity for the local communities that we serve, providing quick and convenient access to local stations served by Grand Central.

“Demand responsive transport promises to be a core part of a connectivity solution for a digital 21st Century, which we are eager to develop.”  

ENDS
 

Notes to editors:

Grand Central Railway Company Limited, part of the Arriva Group, is an established train operator which provides direct rail connections from towns and cities in Yorkshire and the North East England with London.

Established in 2007, Grand Central is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017. Customer satisfaction levels are consistently high and the rail company has just been named Britain’s best value rail operator for the 5th year in a row.

Grand Central operates West Riding Services between Bradford Interchange, Low Moor, Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate, Pontefract Monkhill, Doncaster and London King’s Cross. The rail operator also operates North East services between Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk, York and London Kings Cross.

For further information, please contact:
Sarah Banks
PR Account Director
0191 261 4250
07879 493 744

[email protected]
[email protected]