Worcester County Council is launching a new on demand service this month that aims to help reduce congestion and provide improved public transport options for local residents.
The 12-month pilot ‘Bromsgrove on Demand’ service will enable people living within Bromsgrove and surrounding villages to access both on demand and pre-booked buses for journeys anywhere within the service area, including to and from the town centre, railway station, or nearby villages.
The service, which will be delivered in partnership with Via, is set to launch in late April. Journies will be available to book through a mobile app and will operate from Monday to Saturday, between 0700hrs and 1900hrs.
Councillor Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways, said: “The County Council has worked closely with local district council colleagues and I’m really pleased that we’re nearing a position to launch this new flexible on demand transport service in Bromsgrove.
“We’re continually monitoring current public transport usage and looking at new ways to help people travel around the county and this includes making use of the latest technology.
“We’re already making a number of improvements in Bromsgrove to reduce congestion and provide better transport options and this on demand service will help to enhance this even more.”
Leader of Bromsgrove District Council Councillor Karen May, said: “Not only is this brilliant news for Bromsgrove but it enhances the sustainability of our town centre, linking it with rail and our local residents and villages.
“Councillor Kent and I are keen supporters of this service and we have worked closely together with county colleagues to make this service a reality.”
Users of the app will be able to select their pick-up and drop-off location when booking a journey.
The system will then direct people to a nearby ‘virtual bus stop’ for pick-up and drop-off.
Via’s technology is already being used across more than 200 cities and transport authorities around the world, including Transport for Wales, Milton Keynes Council, Stagecoach, Go-Coach and Arriva.
