Transport for the Future

Published

22nd March 2018

The Blether Bus, which starts on Monday (March 26) is part of a package of measures that council chiefs say will improve choice for travellers in and around the city.
Mark Flynn depute convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “From next week people who use buses and taxis in Dundee are going to see a few changes that open up choice, create some new ways of getting around and bring some new service providers into play.
“In particular moves towards the development of ‘Easy-On’ and the development of new services using the council's in-house fleet, as well as changes to bus routes and the withdrawal of the Taxicard scheme will create different ways of getting around the city.
“Ending the Taxicard scheme will only remove the £2 discount and accessible taxis will still be available.
“The Blether Bus introduces two council mini buses that will deliver a hail and ride service which means that as well as being able get on and off at any of the bus stops along the route, the driver will also pick up and drop off from streets where there are no bus stops.
“It has a friendly and welcoming team of drivers who are happy to chat with and encourage passengers to have a blether.”

Anyone who wants to use the bus must become a member which can be done on the first day of travel. There is no joining fee and no need for ID and once given a membership card passengers need to show that along with their bus pass to the driver each time they use the service.

Cllr Flynn added: “Other exciting new developments include an easy-on service provided by Scottish Blue using its wheelchair accessible minibuses. For £5 it offers a door-to-door service to anywhere in Dundee collecting passengers from their home address and taking them to a destination of their choosing. This is particularly good news for people travelling to Ninewells from the east of the city.

“Bookings can be made over the phone by calling on 01382 339633 or using Scottish Blue’s new web app no later than 5pm for the following day.
“Other transport developments are in the pipeline, including changes to bus routes by the service operators but it is important that passengers’ voices are heard as part of this fast-moving process.

“If you would like to help in the development of these new services, you can get involved with the Dundee Transport Forum by contacting john.berry@dundeecity.gov.uk.”

Dundee City Council

Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.

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