Chariot, the commuter shuttle service established in the US, has begun serving in Europe for the first time with four routes operating in London.
The service is designed for urban commuters who live in areas where public transport is not easily accessible, with the aim of carrying passengers for the first and last mile of their journeys to connect them to transport hubs and underground stations.
The four routes chosen were designed to serve growing areas of population and connect them to existing transport links; Clapham Junction, North Greenwich, Abbey Wood, Kennington, Vauxhall and Battersea Park. They will also serve commuters carrying out journeys on the Victoria Line, Northern Line, London Overground, National Rail and even the Thames River Boat and Emirates Cable Car.
As many as six shuttles will run per hour at peak times, with 14 Ford Transit minibuses in operation offering Wi-Fi, air conditioning, overhead storage and the ability to use London bus lanes. Selected shuttles will also offer wheelchair accessibility from the point of launch. The service is accessed by a dedicated smartphone app, which allows users to book a seat, track the progress of shuttles in real time and utilise a dedicated customer support service.
“As well-served as London is by public transport, the daily commute can still be a bit of a slog for some in the city. Chariot is one way of providing residents with reliable, safe and affordable transportation,” said Sarah‑Jayne Williams, director, Ford Smart Mobility, Europe.
