First full Dial-a-Ride trial
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• The first full-scale trial of the Ford-backed Dial-a-Ride bus service began in Maidstone, Kent on Wednesday. Two 16-seat Ford Transit minibuses with Strachans Pacemaker bodies are being used. As explained in CM last week, the Maidstone operation is one of a number of experiments in various places including Chelmsford, Harlow, East Kilbride, Sale and Eastbourne. All these towns may have services soon and Harrogate's scheme is to begin on September 25.
At Maidstone the system is being operated by a local taxi operator who is charging a flat fare of 20p. Intending Dial-a-Ride passengers can call up a vehicle by use of Freephones in two locations in Maidstone city centre. The service, which will operate Monday-to-Saturday, will link the town centre and railway station with two residential areas in the off-peaks. British Railways are giving a 35p discount on the first 4000 day-return tickets to London to passengers who use the Dial-a-Ride service to get to the station.