(06 Apr 2018, 6:37 pm)James101 wrote I do see a point the point of Vamooz, well a few points actually. It's early days for each application, but hopefully with enough exposure it will take off. Whatever your opinion, apps & tech are the way forward in any industry; Uber, Rightmove, Tinder have revolutionised their respective markets. Individuals may scoff and say they don't 'get it' but progress won't halt for them - after all the yellow pages isn't even in print anymore!
Vamooz for home to school/work transport - Vamooz provides the tech platform for passengers to contribute their fare for a private contract service. Much easier for workers or parents to pay via an app and easier & cheaper for the operator to have one platform which handles the payments and holds the passenger & service data. Could Vamooz be the answer for the tricky but seemingly hard to execute Hartlepool - Newcastle express? An express daily coach, pre-paid by workers - akin to the Kings Ferry services in London? It could be trailed by Stagecarriage without having the 8 week wait to register and deregister with VOSA. Seeing as Facebook is the all seeing eye, adverts could be easily targeted toward people who live in Hartlepool and commute to Newcastle.
Vamooz for day trippers - I think this is the simplest way to apply Vamooz. The app effectively replaces the day-trip brochure from the travel shop (which in most towns has been closed). Flexibility for the operator as they don't need to commit to an entire season of trips before committing to printing a brochure. Again better for the passenger who can search for trips and book their place from their phone. Same for transport to music festivals and big events. In years gone by, in Hartlepool, I know I'd need to go to either the Arriva travel shop or 'Other Tours' to book such trips - both have long since closed. I honestly wouldn't know where to look for a coach to say, Leeds Fest now.
Vamooz for private hire - a few months ago I organised an away day for around 70 people to Alton Towers. An awkward number which meant we needed either a 3+2 school seater (not appealing for comfort) or 2 coaches (twice the expense). We went with 2 coaches, had the operator been a Vamooz partner we could have listed the journey and whatever few extra passengers from the general public joined us could have lowered the cost for everyone. Vamooz could be the platform to pair up smaller groups making similar journeys. How many minibuses of stag & hen parties must depart Teesside for Manchester & Liverpool each weekend? I'm sure they'd be happy to buddy up on a bigger coach if it meant saving money all round.
I think this is pretty much where I suggested it may work. Agree with most points here certainly.
The bit im not convinced about is the likelihood of this replacing regular bus services or even operating like a regular bus service, it just won't.
It sounds like it may be great for operators who schedule day trips, but irrespective of what medium you use to buy your ticket or book your seat, the cost to operate is the same and the demand needs to be there. If it was, a bus service would already exist.
But yeah, day trips I can see it work, but that's nothing new to Stagecarriage.