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Highlands and Islands in vanguard of new transport app


By Tom Ramage

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The Highlands and Islands are to lead the way in trialling a new app which will make it easier for residents and tourists to access the information they need to make greater use of public transport.

The project will also aid car sharing and help in deciding when cycling is an option.

Marelise Hamar tries out the new app
Marelise Hamar tries out the new app

HITRANS, the regional transport partnership, has commissioned a leading technology firm to produce the bespoke GO-HI branded app, which will provide instant access to information on buses, trains, car hire, car clubs, bicycle hire, air travel and ferries.

It will allow users to plan their journeys and find, book and pay for all modes of transport using any iPhone or Android mobile device.

GO-HI is powered by Fleetondemand’s Mobilleo Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform, with the capacity to deploy partner MaaS schemes using its powerful white label capabilities.

The pilot project is due to go live in March 2021.

It is being funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s MaaS Investment Fund, which was established by Transport Scotland to improve accessibility to public transport services for residents and tourists in the country’s most rural and sparsely populated region.

Ranald Robertson, director at HITRANS, said: “This pioneering project is an ambitious region-wide solution that has the potential to make a significant contribution to improve accessibility for residents and visitors.

"It also addresses Government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives."

The project will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving the sustainable travel choices people can make in the region including active travel opportunities.

HITRANS has appointed Marelise Hamar to lead the project. She joined HITRANS in May after making the move to the Highlands from the South East of England and brings experience from the Aerospace, Automotive and Security Printing industries where she has held numerous project based roles.

She said: “I am very excited to be part of this project using groundbreaking technology which will bring a real benefit to residents and visitors across the Highlands and Islands.”

Ross Basnett, strategic account director at Fleetondemand, said: “We’re looking forward to working with HITRANS to tailor a solution that addresses the mobility challenges faced by residents and tourists in one of Scotland’s most rural and sparsely populated areas.

"The GO-HI app will bring together the various transport services in the area, allowing easier access to travel information, more reliable journey planning, in-app ticketing and a hassle-free payment system. These improvements should give people the confidence to use public transport and reduce the feeling of isolation among those without access to a car.”

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