The county’s on-demand service is being extended after three years and 65,000 passenger journeys
Worcestershire’s demand responsive transport service is set to expand this summer. Currently the Worcestershire on Demand service links rural areas around Bromsgrove with the town centre, bus, and railway stations, and has carried out over 65,000 completed trips in the Bromsgrove area since Worcestershire County Council launched the service three years ago. The council says that its success has now led to a planned expansion to the northeast of the county to include Wythall, Alvechurch, Stoke Pound and Stoke Prior, and as part of the new launch, new riders will get their first journey free of charge.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we are planning to extend the operating area, providing a much-needed service to more residents. The expansion follows the success of the existing services in Bromsgrove and Malvern. On demand transport creates an inclusive, responsible, and adaptive transport network. It makes travel accessible to the whole community, and offers an innovative, sustainable, and efficient way of getting around. This service, which has been funded in part by the Department for Transport, is a key part of our mission to enhance and secure bus travel in Worcestershire.”
Councillor Adam Kent, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, and Skills, added: “It’s great news that people living in the area I cover as local councillor will get the chance to use this fantastic service as we expand the successful service to give even more choice.
“And in my new role as Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, it’s also fantastic news for local, rural businesses that have never had any bus services that pass near them and will support local people of all ages to get to and from work. This is an excellent way for us to support local businesses that are out of town.”
The service uses 13-seat buses and operates from 0700 to 1900hrs Monday to Saturday with a flat fare of £2.50 per person, with additional passengers travelling together paying £1.25.
The initial funding for the scheme was provided by the Department for Transport as part of Worcestershire’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. The council says that over 6,000 accounts have been created on the Worcestershire on Demand app since the service launched.
