By Cllr Jonathan Hulley, Chair of the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee
As we stand on the brink of a transformative era for public transport within our beautiful county of Surrey, I am thrilled to share the remarkable success story of the Digital Demand Responsive Transport (DDRT) service, initially trialled in Mole Valley by Surrey County Council. This innovative service has not only met but exceeded our expectations, proving to be a catalyst in revolutionising how we think about and utilise local public transport.
The genesis of the DDRT service was rooted in a simple vision: to create a flexible, responsive transport system that adapts to the needs of its users in real-time. Surrey County Councils trial in Mole Valley was nothing short of a success story, drawing in users who appreciated the convenience and efficiency of the service. Encouraged by this success, we are now poised to roll out the service to additional locations across Surrey, with the aim of county-wide coverage by October.
As Chair of the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee, it has been my role and that of my colleagues to meticulously scrutinise the delivery and development of the DDRT service. Our goal was clear: to ensure that this service would not only thrive in the short term but would stand as a sustainable model of public transport innovation for years to come.
The DDRT service offers a glimpse into the future of transport—a future where technology and tailored service delivery converge to meet the dynamic needs of every user. With the integration of sophisticated software that manages routing and scheduling in real-time, users have embraced this new model of transport, which efficiently reduces wait times and improves connectivity across the county.
The rollout of the DDRT to the rest of Surrey is eagerly anticipated. Feedback from our communities suggests a high level of excitement and approval for a service that promises not only to enhance mobility but also to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by optimising routes and reducing unnecessary travel.
As we move forward, the expansion of the DDRT services is not just about extending geographical coverage—it’s about refining and enhancing the service. Our communications strategy is set to engage and inform residents, ensuring that everyone understands the benefits and workings of this modern transport solution. This strategy is crucial as it fosters a sense of community and inclusivity, ensuring that the services grow not only in scope but also in patronage.
The successful implementation of the DDRT in Surrey represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to innovative public transport solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our community. We are setting a benchmark for what the future of transport can look like, not just in Surrey, but across the country.
In conclusion, as we anticipate the full rollout of this service, we remain committed to enhancing the fabric of our community through improved transport solutions that promise to make Surrey an even better place to live, work, and visit. As Chairman of the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee, I am proud to lead the scrutiny process that empowers transport professionals to fine-tune the service, making it the best it can be. The journey towards a revolutionary public transport system continues, ensuring that Surrey County Council delivers a service that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our community.
The associated reports pack from the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee can be downloaded below.
