The new 67 shuttle service, funded using the overall budget for Dover Fastrack, is set to launch on Monday 25 November and will be in place for an initial period of up to 12 months, subject to usage.
Passengers will be able to connect at Tesco for Dover Fastrack and will not be charged an additional fare to Dover. This will be the same for when returning from Dover.
The Dover Fastrack service was designed to help stimulate new housing growth in Whitfield and at the former Connaught Barracks site. Once the developments start to take effect, a further review of the local bus network will be undertaken.
The service will be operated by Stagecoach and its use will be monitored on a quarterly basis.
“While we cannot solve all problems, I hope this announcement shows we do try and react quickly when issues arise.”
Neil Baker, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I am pleased we have been able to find a solution to the concerns expressed by residents about changes to bus services in the Dover area recently. We have worked collaboratively with our partners in order to provide passengers with a reliable bus service. While we cannot solve all problems, I hope this announcement shows we do try and react quickly when issues arise.”
Joel Mitchell, Managing Director, Stagecoach South East, added: “With costs continuing to increase, and passenger numbers not growing quickly enough to keep up with the costs, it’s critical that funding is made available to support those services that don’t carry enough people to cover their operating costs. That’s why we’re so pleased that KCC have been able to secure this funding so that we can keep doing what we’re here to do - serving the community. We’re here to run buses and where passenger numbers don’t allow for that to happen commercially, we need funding to bridge that gap. We’re delighted that KCC have been able to do that.”
A full timetable and route map can be found on the Stagecoach website: Live Bus Times & Timetables | Stagecoach
