West Midlands on Demand (WMoD) is one of the true success stories of DRT (Demand Responsive Transport) in the UK.
West Midlands on Demand is Scaling!
West Midlands on Demand (WMoD) is one of the true success stories of DRT (Demand Responsive Transport) in the UK. WeDRT launched WMoD in April 2021 on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) as part of the Future Transport Zone/Showcase to test innovative transport services and technology aimed at reducing private car use and traffic congestion on streets. WeDRT continues to manage the DRT service in close collaboration with TfWM, Coventry City Council, and the University of Warwick.
What Changes Are Happening to the Service?
Having already scaled once in February 2022 with the introduction of the University of Warwick into the Partnership, WMoD is scaling again. Building on the previous successes within the DRT service, from today (January 23rd 2023) WMoD is merging with the Coventry Ring-and-Ride service and consolidating both services under one operational umbrella – managed by weDRT.
What Has Made This Service a Success?
WMoD is a prime example of how public and private bodies can efficiently work together to achieve a common goal. TfWM, WeDRT and Via Technologies have pulled together with an amazing level of collaboration with all incentives aligned in delivering a top quality service to the residents of Coventry and the surrounding areas.
In addition to the great team assembled, weDRT’s flexible supply offering and ability to use spare capacity among a range of different transport operators has been one crucial element to the success of this service. Nationwide driver shortages and issues in vehicle procurement has been a real bottle-neck stopping the success of some DRT services across the UK. weDRT has been able to utilise our network of local and national operators in order to provide the flexibility in vehicles to meet demand.
A Look to the Future…
Here at weDRT, we are as passionate and driven as ever to continue delivering an exceptional service for WMoD. We are super excited to integrate the Ring-and-Ride service into our existing offering and explore more ways in which we can be a key tool helping the council offer the “total-transport” solution to local residents.
Watch this space!
This article was originally published by WeDRT.
