Local bus service Katch transforms travel in East Suffolk

Katch, the bookable bus service launched in 2021, has made a real difference for residents of Framlingham, Wickham Market, Snape, and nearby villages. With its focus on convenience, accessibility, and community spirit, it’s transforming local transportation and making travel much easier.

Katch is an innovative on-demand local transport service connecting Framlingham and Snape, with a convenient stop at Wickham Market Railway Station in Campsea Ashe. Katch is not just any ordinary bus service. With a focus on meeting the diverse needs of its passengers, the service offers wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that all passengers can travel comfortably.

Katch has also introduced a loyalty card scheme for its regular passengers, offering free journeys as a reward for continued use. This initiative is poised to become a favourite among daily commuters and frequent travellers, boosting the appeal of this already popular service.

And, in a nod to pet owners, Katch allows dogs to accompany their owners on trips, provided prior notice is given. This pet-friendly policy is set to make the service even more appealing to a wide range of passengers.

Easy and flexible booking system

Booking a journey with Katch is straightforward and flexible. Passengers can schedule their trips up to two weeks in advance. During office hours, the team strives to accommodate same-day bookings where possible.

There are multiple ways to book a journey:

• Online: Through the “Book a Journey” tab on Katch’s website.
• Email: By sending a booking request to katch@cats-paws.co.uk.
• Phone: By calling the booking line at 01728 635 939, Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Payments can be made either by card or cash on the bus, adding to the convenience of the service.

Streamlined operations for speedy commutes

Katch operates with efficiency in mind, only stopping at pre-booked locations. This streamlined approach significantly reduces journey times compared to traditional bus services. The service operates on the following schedule:

Monday – Friday: 7.30 am – 6.30 pm

Saturday: 10.00 am – 6.30 pm

Bank Holidays: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day)

Passengers can book their return trips in advance, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Why choose Katch?

Katch brings numerous benefits to the local community:

• Passengers can book specific times and stops, eliminating the uncertainty of wait times
• With stops only at booked locations, travel times are reduced
• Each trip with Katch contributes to reducing the community’s carbon footprint
• Fares are competitive with standard bus services and significantly cheaper than taxis. Discounts are available for young people using Endeavour Cards, and loyalty card holders can enjoy free journeys

Community reaction

Residents have welcomed the service with enthusiasm. The convenience of tailored booking times, the pet-friendly policy, and the inclusion of accessibility features have all been praised. “It’s great to see a service that really understands and meets the needs of the community,” said one local resident.

Looking ahead

As Katch continues to embed itself in the local transport network, it is poised to become a cornerstone of community mobility. The service is expected to attract a growing number of passengers, drawn by its unique blend of convenience, speed, and community-centric policies.

For more information or to book a journey, residents are encouraged to visit the Katch website, email their requests, or call the dedicated booking line during office hours. With Katch, the future of local travel looks bright and efficient.