Ford’s Chariot expands shuttle service to cut commutes and congestion

Ford’s ride-sharing shuttle service – Chariot – has launched its first European routes tailored for companies and campuses, focused on delivering easier commutes.

Chariot is expanding its focus to serve companies and out-of-town campuses where access by public transport can be difficult. By reducing the reliance on cars, the scheme reduces the number of vehicles on the road; improving congestion and pollution.

“Companies know that a good daily commute can make a real difference to their employees’ quality of life – and the quality of their work,” said Sarah-Jayne Williams, Ford’s Director for Smart Mobility in Europe. “With Chariot we’re providing a comfortable, modern and efficient transport service that we think will benefit staff, their employers and – by helping to reduce traffic – the city around them.”

The first new Chariot route is a collaboration between Chariot and sustainable transport group, easitNETWORK. The service is available for commuters travelling between Stockley Park and Hayes & Harlington Station. The 150-acre Stockley Park campus accommodates more than 7,500 employees from a variety of major businesses.

The road infrastructure around Stockley Park can be very busy at peak times, therefore the park management encourage businesses and their employees to use public transport and sustainable transport initiatives such as ride-sharing.

The free easitSTOCKLEY PARK Shuttle Bus operates during weekday morning and afternoon peak  times, taking a direct route between Hayes & Harlington station and the Stockley Park campus. A further service – the Lunchtime Shopper – connects Stockley Park and the nearby Intu Uxbridge Shopping Centre.

Chariot offers a smartphone app that enables bus users to book a seat and track their vehicle’s progress in real time. The fuel-efficient 14-seat Ford Transit minibuses feature spacious, air-conditioned interiors, enabling passengers to travel and work in comfort.

“The launch of the new easitSTOCKLEY PARK Shuttle Bus is yet another fantastic string to easitNETWORK’s bow and we very much look forward to working with Chariot to make commutes that bit easier,” said Dr Mel Mehmet, MBE, Founder and CEO of the easitNETWORK.

Following a soft launch, the free easitSTOCKLEY PARK Shuttle Bus will begin full service on 3 September 2018. The service will be free to anyone with the Chariot app installed on their smartphone until 1 December, after which it will only be available to easitMEMBERS.