Residents in the south of the Malvern Hills District are being reminded that they can make use of the on-demand bus service, when heading out shopping or visiting family and friends in the run up to Christmas.
The Worcestershire on Demand service operating in the area launched earlier this year, to provide a public transport service where vehicles travel on demand rather than using fixed routes and timetables.
The buses, provide a service for areas including Upton upon Severn, Kempsey, Hanley Swan, Hanley Castle, Longdon, Bushley and Welland. The service also offers passengers the opportunity to travel to points of interest, such as Malvern Community Hospital, Malvern railway stations and Malvern Retail Park outside the zone.
The service runs from 7am until 7pm Monday to Saturday and the is currently free to use.
Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council said: “This service offers a great way to get around, offering a convenient way to travel, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
“People are really seeing the benefits of on demand buses, the service in Bromsgrove is being very well used and the service here in Malvern, has grown steadily, since it launched in the summer. We hope to extend the service to other areas in the future.”
Buses in the Worcestershire on Demand Malvern zone are operated by Malvern Community Action (in conjunction with Worcester Wheels) and LMS Travel. The service is funded by Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council.
Councillor Tom Wells, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council added: “We are very pleased to be providing funding to support such an essential service for our residents across the Malvern Hills district. On demand transport provides a life-line to communities who need assistance with accessing health services, important appointments, and town centres for shopping and entertainment. Not only this, but it is a great way of reducing social isolation for people living in rural areas, as well as offering a sustainable travel solution. Both of which come under the council’s priorities.”
The Worcestershire on Demand service in Malvern is set to expand in the new year, to offer many more journeys across the district and beyond. There will also be a small charge introduced, with a flat fare of £2.50 for all journeys per person, with additional passengers paying £1.25 and ticket bundles available as well as concessionary cards being accepted.
On demand buses offer a bespoke alternative service to the familiar local bus. They provide a flexible, affordable, and sustainable mode of public transport. Passengers request a journey through an app or sometimes a telephone call and they are collected quickly and within a few metres of their location. Passengers share journeys with others. Journeys may involve a short walk to maximise route efficiency, eliminate lengthy detours, and replicate journey times in a private car.
The ’Worcestershire on Demand’ app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. When someone downloads the app, they 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, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips.
For enquiries, issues relating to the app or to book a journey call 01905 846180 or email WOD@worcestershire.gov.uk
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