A new electric taxi-bus service in East Suffolk
It comes into service today (17 May)
Suffolk County Council launches Katch, a new sustainable, electric taxi-bus service in the East of the county to transport people between Framlingham, Wickham Market and Wickham Market train station in Campsea Ashe to meet their rail connections.
With support from East Suffolk Council, Framlingham Town Council, Community Rail Partnership, Greater Anglia and CarsSmart, Katch delivers on the commitment Suffolk councils have made to grow the region's passenger transport in a sustainable way. It also plays a part in cutting carbon to help reach the Government's ambition of zero emissions by 2050 and Suffolk County Council's own target of being carbon neutral by 2030.
Up to 8 passengers can share the totally electric taxi-bus fitted with USB ports and air conditioning, but produces no emissions.
The Katch taxi-bus service will be available 7 days a week from 06.30 to 22.30 Monday to Saturday and 09.00 to 19.00 on Sunday. All journeys must be booked in advance either via downloading the Katch app or by calling 01728 55 44 55. The cost of a return journey is £7 and a single journey is £4.
The service is being launched as a trial for 12 months from today (17 May). If it proves a success and is regularly used by commuters and rail passengers, Suffolk County Council is keen to facilitate further schemes across the county.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council:
"Suffolk County Council is delighted to be able to offer the new sustainable, electric taxi-bus service in the East of the county. The service will provide a travel solution for local residents and visitors in Wickham Market and Framlingham as well as those who need to meet their train connections at Wickham Market train station in Campsea Ashe.
"It is also hoped the service will encourage more people to consider using public transport rather than relying on the car."
"Following a successful trial, there is an opportunity for this type of flexible and green alternative travel to be considered across other communities in Suffolk."
Cllr Steve Gallant, Chair of the East Suffolk Community Partnership Board:
"East Suffolk Council is really pleased to be able to support this new service which provides a flexible and accessible solution to the travel needs of local people and visitors alike. Not only does Katch support our environmental vision by offering a sustainable travel option, but it also provides a vital connection for many people who may not be able to get around easily otherwise."