A NEW on demand bus service has officially launched in Wychavon after its imminent arrival was announced last month.
This expansion is Worcestershire County Council’s third on demand zone following successful rollouts in Bromsgrove and Malvern.
The service connects passengers to their destinations without fixed routes or timetables – giving residents more control over how and when they travel.
Councillor Karl Perks, highways chief at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The service has proven extremely popular in Bromsgrove and Malvern, so I’m delighted the service is now available in Wychavon.”
To celebrate the launch, all journeys will be free until the end of August. Fares switch to £2.50 per person per journey, with £1.25 for additional passengers from September.
Concessionary cards are accepted and veterans can ride free of charge. Discounted bundles are available for frequent users.
The service allows users to book journeys through the Worcestershire on-demand app where pick-up and drop-off locations are chosen.
Journeys will be capped at 15 kilometres (approx. 9 miles) as the crow flies to ‘ensure smooth and efficient operations’. Smaller vehicles will also be used on rural roads for faster, more cost-effective trips.
The service operates Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm. Buses in Wychavon will be operated by Via.
Sam Griffiths, head of the UK & Nordics at Via, said: “Via is proud to support Worcestershire County Council’s ambitious plan of delivering a countywide demand-responsive transport service.
“We are confident we will improve rural connectivity for residents across Wychavon.”
Further plans to introduce the scheme to other areas including Stourport, Hartlebury, Ombersley, Bewdley and Tenbury Wells have also been announced. These will be known as the Central Zone and North West Zone.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/WOD for more information.
