A new on-demand transport service mobile application has been launched to provide Borderers in the Ettrick Valley and Bonchester Bridge areas with better access to public and shared transport
Go Borders will begin operating on the existing 910 Hawick to Bonchester Bridge and 911/912 Ettrick Valley to Hawick/Galashiels services to provide increased and more convenient access to public transport.
The service will enable residents in areas which are not serviced by public transport routes access to on-demand transport through the Go Borders smart phone app or the existing telephony service. The Go Borders app is available to download on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
The specially-created mobile application shows real-time updates and allows users to view and book journeys in the matter of a few clicks whilst also tracking the vehicle along its route by viewing live arrival information.
Payment will then be made in the traditional way via cash or concessionary card on board the bus when passengers begin their journey.
Passengers without a smartphone who are unable to use the Go Borders DRT app can also phone us 01835 826753 to book their bus.
Benefits of the Go Borders app
- suggests the most efficient routes: once a user launches the Go Borders app and inputs their destination, Go Borders will display the most convenient transport options depending on their target arrival time
- enables users to book a Go Borders ride: users can select Transit On-Demand to book a seat
- directs passengers to a nearby pickup location: once the ride is booked, passengers receive confirmation of a designated pickup location within a short walking distance
- provides passengers with real-time shuttle tracking while:
- waiting for their ride, Go Borders users can track the approaching vehicle in real-time and view its ETA
- travelling, users can view the route on the map, as well as the estimated time to drop off
- enables future ride booking: transport can be booked days in advance up to 4pm the day before departure
- incorporates accessibility features: members of the public with disabilities can easily navigate the mobile application and book journeys
The Go Borders mobile app also incorporates accessibility features, empowering people with disabilities to use public transport with more assurance.
The app is optimised with screen reading features for low vision users, including TalkBack/VoiceOver capabilities, identifies wheelchair-accessible routes and stations, and calculates step-free routes. The Go Borders app is also designed with optimised menus and buttons for those with hand-motor disabilities.
The service has been created in partnership with Moovit, an Intel company, and leading ‘Mobility as a Service’ solutions provider. The Go Borders app is powered by Moovit’s technology, and the transport service is powered by Moovit On-Demand solution.
Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Transport
“Given the rural nature of so many of our communities in the Scottish Borders, the traditional forms of public transport struggle to meet the diverse travel needs of our residents.
“Go Borders will provide unprecedented flexibility and offer greater convenience for residents, especially those living in some of the most remote locations where there are little or no public transport services at present.
“I think this is an extremely positive development and look forward to exploring how services like this can be expanded geographically to other areas of the region.”
Yovav Meydad, Moovit’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer
“We are excited to partner with Scottish Borders Council and power this new mobility offering for Scottish Borders residents for greater access to transport and shorter walk and wait times.
“Complementary to traditional modes of transport, Moovit On-Demand can help residents get around more efficiently and gain more transparency into their ride.”
About Moovit
Moovit, an Intel company, is a leading Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions provider and the creator of the number one urban mobility app. Moovit was acquired by Intel in 2020 to join forces with Mobileye and advance its MaaS strategy. Together, Moovit and Mobileye will accelerate the global adoption of autonomous transportation.
Moovit’s iOS, Android, and Web apps guide people in getting around town effectively and conveniently, using any mode of transport. Introduced in 2012 it now serves over 1bn users in more than 3.4k cities across 112 countries.
Moovit amasses up to six billion anonymous data points a day to add to the world’s largest repository of transit and urban mobility data. For governments, cities, transit agencies, and private companies, Moovit offers AI-powered MaaS solutions covering planning, operations, and optimization with proven value in reducing congestion, growing ridership, and increasing efficiency and asset utilization. Industry leaders such as Microsoft, Uber, and Cubic have partnered with Moovit to power their mobility offerings.