A NEW 153 bus service has been introduced between Droitwich and Worcester, providing improved access to key areas in the town, including the railway station and industrial parks.
The new First Bus operated service began on Monday and runs on weekdays.
Included on the route are the Berry Hill and Hampton Lovett Industrial Estates, helping workers commute at key shift times with the view to improving access to new job opportunities for local people.
The new service has been created following a successful bid by the County Council in partnership with Wychavon District Council using £120,000 received from the UK Shared Prosperity funding, specifically for enhancing the bus services to key industrial sites within Droitwich.
Richard Chinnock, operations manager for First Worcester, said: “We’re committed to getting more people to travel by bus, so we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council to provide this additional service.
“It will provide a much needed boost to the business community, especially those on the industrial estates it serves, as well as local residents and visitors.”
Coun Richard Morris, Wychavon’s executive board member for economic growth and tourism, said: “Making sure residents have access to good quality employment and training opportunities is a priority for us and I am delighted we have been able to use our part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to work with partners to create this vital transport link.”
These services will allow workers to access the site at key shift times and provide access to new job opportunities.
Coun Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The business community in Droitwich approached the council directly about improving the bus services during shift times.
I went to see them, and we agreed a piece of work they would undertake to survey their staff for instance.
“Identifying the demand was a key part of making this happen and is a good example of how we as the council can be a constructive partner to help create a more sustainable bus network.”
Neil Roadknight, Armstrong Fluid Technolog’s operations manager, said the firm was unable to obtain new people who were reliant on public transport.
He thanked everyone involved for investing time in the project, adding it would be a success and one the company would be promoting to its recruitment partners and current employees.
Both services will accept tickets from the other service, allowing passengers to use both services in either direction.
