DaRT Services

The DaRT services provide a Demand Responsive Transport in rural areas of Northern Essex and The Dengie Peninsula in Maldon.

You can find the following information on this page:

  • How to book onto the service

  • How does the service work

  • How much does it cost

  • Where does the DaRT run

  • Frequently asked questions

How to book onto the service

You can call:

Maldon Area: 01621 874410

North Essex Area: 01621 874411

Email: bookings@essexandsuffolkdart.co.uk

How does the service work?

Demand Responsive Transport divert from their route to collect and drop off passengers. The Essex DaRT service works by grouping bookings together to make it viable. It is not a taxi service, as there must enough volume of passengers with similar itineraries. Most DaRT work is former bus routes, and group bookings. But unlike a large bus, DaRT only needs three or four passengers to make a group booking.

Passengers must book their seat, and register as a customer, at least two hours in advance of travel. But regular bookings, which last for three months, are also avaialble.


How much does it cost?

Please note:

Service F315 fares are exempt from this fare chart, operating on a basic fare structure of £3 single and £5 return.

DaRT 7 fares are also different: Adult £4.20 one way, £6 return. Child £2 each way, £3 return.

Concessionary bus passes are accepted after 0900 Monday to Friday and all day on Saturdays.


Where does the DaRT run?

DaRT operates in the following areas:

  • DaRT 3 – operates in North East Braintree and takes passengers from

Alphamstone, Ashen, Belchamp Otten, Belchamp St Paul, Belchamp Walter, Birdbrook, Borley, Bulmer (passengers unable to access areas not covered by service F315), Bures Hamlet, Colne Engaine, Earls Colne (areas not covered by Service 88), Foxearth, Great Henny, Great Yeldham, Greenstead Green, Halsted Town (passenger unable to access conventional services), Lamarsh, Liston, Little Henny, Little Yeldham, Middleton, Ovington, Pebmarsh (passengers unable to access areas not covered by service F315), Pentlow, Ridgewell, Stambourne, Steeple Bumpstead, Tilbury Juxta Clare, Toppesfield, Twinstead, Wickham St Paul (passengers unable to access areas not covered by service F315) and White Colne (areas not served by service 88).

For flexible timetables download our Dart 3 leaflet and timetable (PDF)

  • DaRT 4 – operates in Asheldham, Bradwell, St Lawrence, Tillingham, Maple Way, Southminster to Burnham-on-Crouch (previously D4).

Passengers can check The National Traveline Service, available at: www.traveline.info for timetable details. Please search 'DaRT 4' (with a space between DaRT and the number 4).

  • DaRT 5 – operates in the Dengie area and takes passengers along a route including South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham-on-Crouch, Althorne, North Fambridge, Cold Norton and Latchingdon.

  • DaRT 7 – Operates in the following areas on Monday & Thursday Only: Toot Hill, Greenstead Green, Threshers Bush (covering New Way lane), Moreton, Tyler’s Green (covering Weald Bridge Road), Magdalen Laver (covering The Glebe), Little End, Stanford Rivers, Matching Tye (covering Fox Inn, Rainbow Road and Willow Cottage), Matching Green (covering Chequers) and Coronation Hill Epping.

  • DaRT 299 – operates between Arkesden, Berden, Chrishall, Clavering, Elmdon, Langley, Littlebury, Manuden, Quendon & Rickling, Strethall, Wendon Lofts, Wicken Bonhunt, Bardfield Saling, Chickney, Great Bardfield, Great Saling, Great Sampford, Lindsell, Little Bardfield, Little Easton, Little Sampford, Tilty and Thaxted (Where access cannot be made to a local bus service). For further information, please consult our 299 leaflet (PDF).

For further details and a route map please visit the Arrow Taxis website.


Questions and Answers

  1. How long should I wait for my journey at the roadside?

    Please be at your agreed pick up point 10 minutes before. You may need to wait 10 minutes after the agreed time, as the DaRT service may have diverted to pick up another customer.

  2. What sort of vehicle will be used?

    8 to 16 vehcile with the DaRT logo.

  3. Can passengers take their shopping trolleys?

    Yes, there will be a lugage area for trolleys. There is no additional charge.

  4. Can you travel by yourself?

    Yes, a taxi may be used when the numbers travelling are small.

  5. How will hospital appointments work?

    Passengers have the option to change their return journey, but requested times may not be accomodated if less than 2 hours notice is given.

  6. Can I use the TravelEssex Saver ticket?

    These are issued and accepted. More information on this ticket is found [here].

  7. Can a relative or friend book on my behalf?

    Yes.

  8. Can a group of people book together?

    Yes, you will need to say how many people are travelling.

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