DaRT LogoGreat Maplestead, Little Maplestead, Gestingthorpe, Pebmarsh, Wickham St Paul and Bulmer are served by a flexible and frequent Demand Responsive Transport (DaRT) bus service between Sudbury and Halstead – the DaRT F315.

This is operated by Arrow Taxis, using wheelchair-friendly minibuses typically accommodating between 8 and 16 passengers. The service runs between 7.70am and 8.00pm, Mondays to Saturdays inclusive.

The DaRT service differs from a normal bus service in that it is totally flexible, able to divert on and off a route in order to collect and drop off passengers at various locations within the service’s operating area, for example a hospital.

However, unlike a conventional bus, DaRT passengers must book a seat, and register as a customer, at least two hours in advance of travel. Passengers wishing to travel regularly do not need to book each time they travel – they can make a regular booking, valid for three months.

Bookings can be made either by:

Telephone: 01621 874 411

or e-mail: bookings@essexandsuffolkdart.co.uk

 

The DaRT F315 service runs to a timetable between Halstead and Sudbury. However, parts of this service are Demand Responsive only, and this includes Great Maplestead – in other words, the bus won’t visit Great Maplestead unless the service is booked.

The published timetable, effective from December 2021, can be found here.

Route details and an online timetable can be found here.

There is a flat fare structure for the DaRT F315 service between any two stops:

   Adult 

     (over 16)      

 Child 

  (5 to 16 inc.)   

Single   Return   Single   Return  
 £3.00    £5.00    £1.50      £2.50  

     Children under 5 are free

Concessionary bus passes are accepted.

More details about the DaRT service can be found here.

Click here for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. Further information can be found on the Essex County Council website.