New route planned for Ford’s ride sharing shuttle service

Chariot, Ford’s ride-sharing shuttle service has launched a new London route, which is aimed at connecting companies and employees in areas with limited public transport.

Chariot began operating in London earlier this year and is now expanding its focus to serve companies and out-of-town campuses where access by public transport can be difficult.

“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 – near to Heathrow Airport on the outskirts of west London – and Hayes & Harlington Station, a major transport hub served by TfL Rail, National Rail and, from next year, the new Elizabeth Line. One of Europe’s premier business parks, the 150-acre Stockley Park campus accommodates more than 7,500 employees from a variety of major businesses including IBM, Apple and BP.

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, providing an opportunity for staff to relax and run errands.

Chariot also offers a smartphone app that lets bus users 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.

Following a soft launch this week, the free easitSTOCKLEY PARK Shuttle Bus begins full service on 3 September. 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.