Shuttle buses could give city '£20m' boost, says MP

MP Tom Collins said fixing Worcester's transport system is one of his main priorities

Shuttle buses could boost the Worcester's night-time economy "by up to £20m", claims the city's MP.

Tom Collins said he wanted a system of regular shuttles in and out of the city centre to ease traffic congestion and to encourage economic growth.

The Labour MP said he has researched the benefits of a working system and now wants to hear residents' ideas.

"People have told me over and over that they want our evening bus services back, and that they want a way to get to and from the city centre easily," he said.

In 2014, Worcester saw its park and ride site at Perdiswell scrapped as part of cost-cutting measures by Worcestershire County Council.

Calls to reinstate the service were rejected by the council's previous Tory administration last year.

Mr Collins, who has said fixing the city's transport problems is among his top priorities, said shuttle buses could open up the city centre to residents in areas poorly served by public transport.

"Worcester's night-time economy could be increased by up to £20m with a shuttle bus system based on pragmatically enhancing existing services," he said.

"Our local businesses and night-time economy need the city centre paywall to be broken down so that local people can access the centre easily throughout the entire day and evening.

"A growing and thriving city needs a transport system designed for fast and efficient travel, and my team's work has shown that frequent shuttles in and out of the city centre could indeed boost growth.

"A more advanced medium-term plan would also deliver benefits in health, social and economic improvements and reduced congestion."

Mr Collins has called on residents to take part in workshops to ensure their views were "at the heart" of the future of city bus services.

He has also launched an online survey to gather people's experiences.

Worcestershire County Council has been contacted for comment.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.