New app to provide one-stop-shop for greener travel in the Highlands
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A new app designed to make it easier to access information on greener travel options is to be trialled in the Highlands.
Regional transport partnership HiTrans has commissioned production of the bespoke GO-HI branded app, which will provide instant access to information on buses, trains, car hire, car clubs, bicycle hire, air travel and ferries.
Users will be able to plan their journeys and find, book and pay for all modes of transport using any iPhone or Android mobile device.
The pilot project is due to go live in March 2021 and is being funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s MaaS Investment Fund which has been established by Transport Scotland to improve accessibility to public transport services.
HiTrans director Ranald Robertson said: “This pioneering project is an ambitious region-wide solution that has the potential to make a significant contribution to improve accessibility for residents and visitors.
“It also addresses government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives.
“It will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving the sustainable travel choices people can make in the region, including active travel opportunities.”
Ross Basnett, strategic account director at Fleetondemand, said: “We’re looking forward to working with HiTrans to tailor a solution that addresses the mobility challenges faced by residents and tourists in one of Scotland’s most rural and sparsely populated areas.
“The GO-HI app will bring together the various transport services in the area, allowing easier access to travel information, more reliable journey planning, in-app ticketing and a hassle-free payment system.
“These improvements should give people the confidence to use public transport and reduce the feeling of isolation among those without access to a car.”
Project partners include Enterprise Car Club and Car Hire, Bewegen, Stagecoach Bus, West Coast Motors, Inverness Taxis, ScotRail, Loganair and SkedGo.
The participating transport providers will be able to access data about the demand for their services accessed through the app, helping them to better understand the needs of people in the region and to make more informed decisions about the provision of services to their own benefit as well as those of their customers.
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