Entrepreneur Peter Dawe is to launch an Ely to Cambridge commuter service by giving away three minibuses – and you could be in with a chance of winning one.
Mr Dawe, of Stuntney, is putting the final touches to Ely eCommuter to enable people travelling to work to save money, fuel and do their bit for the environment.
As part of the scheme, Mr Dawe is giving away three mini-buses in return for a commitment to pick up and drop off fellow commuters at three designated stop-off points in Ely and Cambridge Science Park.
The driver of the bus, which will remain theirs so long as they are part of the scheme, will have the cost of petrol, servicing, MOT, insurance and tax paid for and will be entitled to use the bus as they would their own vehicle at weekends.
Mr Dawe said: “We’re really looking forward to getting started. We’ve been designing and planning this scheme for nearly six months and when you start to see the pieces come together it really starts to get exciting.
“You never know if something innovative like this will work until it does. Everyone knows getting people to car share is difficult but this feels like a taxi service and we are sure that people will feel comfortable using it and really get behind it.”
A 10-journey pass will cost £25, which equates to £2.50 per journey – this will enable the passenger flexibility if they are working late or have a day off.
Mr Dawe said: “If we can fill a minibus, it will take eight cars off the road every day – 24 if we fill all three buses – and it will reduce congestion and pollution.”
Anyone wishing to apply to drive the minibuses must have a full licence, be over 25 years-of-age and insurable. A taxi licence is not required.
The three stop off points in Ely will include King’s Avenue, St John’s Road and Downham Road – with four drop off points on the Cambridge Science Park.
If you would like to be considered to drive a minibus, contact Ely Standard Editor John Elworthy at john.elworthy@archant.co.uk or write to Editor, Ely Standard, Alexander House, Fore Hill, Ely, CB7 4AF.
Alternatively, you can contact Kieran Delaney, director and general manager of Dawe Cars Ltd, at Kieran@dawe.co.uk
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