DaRT87 Demand Responsive Transport

DaRT87 is a pre-booked minibus service trial replacing the Arriva 87 that ceased operation on 31 December 2020. We are pleased to say that the service has been funded until at least 1 April 2023

The service is operated by our trusted partners Epping Forest Community Transport (EFCT).

Register here for DaRT87

Free annual membership offer extended to end March 2023 for all users.

Where does it run?

Key locations covered on the main route include:

• Debden, including Epping Forest Shopping Park, The Broadway and Debden station
• Theydon Bois (subject to demand)
• Epping, including Epping station, Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices and St Margaret’s Hospital
• Epping Green
• Harlow bus station and Princess Alexandra Hospital via Staple Tye

An approximate map of the route shows this below, including some variations based on passenger demand:

• Newmans Lane loop, Loughton – off peak shopping hours only and by prior request only
• Loughton, other areas west of Rectory Road – the service may detour here for Harlow journeys, only if sufficient pre-booked demand exists (at least 48 hours’ notice required)
• Theydon Bois – prior pre-booked demand only (48 hours minimum)
• Sumners and Great Parndon (Harlow) – prior pre-booked demand only (48 hours minimum)

Who is it for?

During lockdown, the service focused on NHS staff and other key worker commutes including via tube stations. As we enter a post-Covid world, we are seeing usage by school and college students, other commuters and daytime non-essential trips for shopping, leisure and visiting family and friends. EFCT normally charges £15 per year annual membership, but until end March 2023, this has been waived.

All concessionary passes issued by Essex County Council are accepted in line with their T&Cs and all vehicles are wheelchair compatible.

Epping Forest Community Transport are committed to helping anyone use the service and will gladly assist those needing help with registration, including via relatives or friends by phone on 01992 579566 or email efct@efcommunitytransport.org.uk.

When does it run?

Monday to Friday

Early commuter runs and evening peak the most likely to be dictated by demand (eg NHS shift patterns).

Off peak, roughly hourly with the potential for an additional vehicle, again if demand dictates.

Saturday

Saturday service are still strictly by pre-booked demand only as during the initial trial, Saturday runs were usually little used or even empty.

Sunday

No service, but if leisure demand increases we will consider.

How do I book and pay?

You must complete a membership form in advance to use this service – this is a government requirement of Community Transport and dial-a-ride operators like EFCT. EFCT usually charges £15 per year annual membership, this is waived until the end of March 2023.

From the Autumn, we hope to be using a smartphone app for registration and journey booking. Users will also be able to track the vehicle’s progress to their pickup point.

How much does it cost?

We have simplified adult fares into 3 types but kept single fares in line with the former 87 fares:

1. £2 within a town or village area (Debden and NW Loughton, Epping, Epping Green, Theydon Bois, Harlow)
2. £3.50 between 2/3 adjacent areas (eg Epping or Epping Green to Harlow)
3. £5 Debden to or from Harlow (full route)

£2 child fare for 16 years and under and under 5s free (all zones).

Help us understand demand

Express interest in the trial and answer a few questions to help us understand demand.

You will then hear back from EFCT with full instructions.

We may approach you for your feedback, plaudits or improvements through the trial.

Any other questions?

• Epping Forest Community Transport: Email efct@efcommunitytransport.org.uk
• General bus / tube / train enquiries (Essex County Council): Email passenger.transport@essex.gov.uk
• Ideas on sustainable transport (EFDC): Email transport@eppingforestdc.gov.uk