FAQs
Q. Why are the council and Borders Buses no longer operating the PINGO service in Berwickshire?
A. The PINGO service was a DRT pilot that was supposed to run for an initial 1-year period. The service was extended for a further year to enable council officers to evaluate the concept of DRT in a rural area. The current contract for PINGO is due to expire on the 19th of May 2024.
Q. Who will operate the new DRT taxi Bus Service?
A. Teviot Taxi will operate the service.
Q. How do I book the new Berwickshire Taxi Bus Service?
A. The service can be booked by calling the dedicated booking number 07709 171506 any time up to 16:00 on the day before travel.
Q. Will I share the trip with other passengers?
A. Yes, the objective of the Taxi Bus it to enhance links for those passengers in rural areas of the region that have limited or no access to Public Transport. The more passengers that can access the service, the more sustainable it will be. Trip sharing is critical to the long-term sustainability of taxi bus.
Q. Can I still use the Ride PINGO app?
A. The ride PINGO app and the ability to track the vehicle will not be available with the Berwickshire Taxi Bus Service.
Q. Can I book the service on the day of travel?
A. A small number of journeys may be accommodated on the day of travel provided they do not impact upon other journeys that are already booked and the driver can accommodate them within the existing schedule for that day.
Q. Will the Taxi bus pick me up at a designated time?
A. the taxi bus will endeavour to pick you up at an agreed time, if there are any deviations to the agreed time, the driver will contact you to make you aware. The service may deviate from time to time with passengers on board, if the schedule allows, to accommodate additional ad-hoc passengers. This will be done in agreement with any passengers who are currently travelling.
Q. How many passengers can travel at one time?
A. The vehicle can carry up to 8 passengers at anyone one time.
Q. Why does the service operate different hours Monday to Friday?
A. The operating hours were defined using data from the PINGO service which helped determine the core operating hours therefore the service now operates using a vehicle that is already used on school transport contracts. This enables the Council to operate the service more sustainably.
Q. Does the vehicle have space for a wheelchair?
A. Not at present however this is being considered for the future.
Q. Can I still travel to Berwick using the Taxi Bus?
A. No, the new taxi bus service will focus on making connections with the existing bus network rather than duplicating journeys. The Service will connect passengers in at the most convenient point within the operating area for onward travel by the fixed route bus network.
Q. Can I still travel between Duns and Coldstream on the Taxi Bus?
A. No, a new service 34 will commence on the 20th May which will provide 3 journeys per day between Duns and Coldstream. The timetable will be available on Borders Buses website in due course.
Q. If I have any questions regarding the new service, who should I contact?
A. Feedback or questions on the new service should be directed to LBSTransport@Scotborders.gov.uk