A new on-demand bus service has launched with a reduced service after a short delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Watford Borough Council in partnership with Arriva has launched its on-demand minibus service today (July 1), which promises to deliver a “safe” and “sustainable” mode of transport for essential travel into town.

The service was originally planned to start from March 23, which would have introduced seven private minibuses that can seat up to 15 people – and was said to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly private cab alternative.

However due to coronavirus restrictions, the service is being phased in with a reduced capacity of up to four people at one time.

Anyone using the service must wear face coverings and full cleaning procedures will be in place.

Travel can be booked and paid on through the ArrivaClick smartphone app and the service would drive people to their desired destination.

Watford Observer:

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “It is important that we offer new ways to travel around the town so that we can cut congestion and make our air cleaner.

“I am delighted to be launching a demand responsive bus scheme for Watford and am confident that ArrivaClick will be a real success in our town. I am looking forward to welcoming the first buses to Watford and joining people in our town using them to get around.”

Journey prices range from £1 to £2.50 per mile depending on the time of day.

It operates from 6am to 10pm on Monday to Thursday, until 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 8am to 9pm on Sundays across the borough and to Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden and Croxley Park.

Adam Toone, Business Development Director at Arriva says: “We are thrilled to see that, in partnership with Watford Borough Council, we are able to launch the ArrivaClick service.

“It’s really important that digitally, public transport plays a key role as lockdown measures are eased. Customers can be reassured that we’re cleaning the vehicles thoroughly, using disinfectant and ensuring social distancing measures are followed at all times.

“We will continuously monitor the public health guidelines and ensure that we continue to keep our drivers and customers safe. We look forward to welcoming you on board.”

The scheme is part of the council’s overall goal to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030 after declaring a Climate Emergency last year.

To download the ArrivaClick Watford app, click here for the Apple App store, and here for the Google Play Store.