On-demand bus service launched in third area

Manuel Avac said he had picked up "zero" passengers but believed business would pick up

The third stage of an on-demand bus service in Worcestershire has been launched.

Following its roll-out in Bromsgrove and Malvern, the service is now available in Wychavon, Worcestershire County Council confirmed.

Councillor Karl Perks said it had "proven extremely popular" in the other two areas and was "delighted" it had been extended to the third area.

Driver Manuel Avac said he had so far picked up "zero" passengers but added "with a little bit of time, in my opinion, the service will be very, very good for this area".

The service is designed to offer an alternative to traditional public transport and is accessed using the the Worcestershire on Demand app.

It allows users to select their pick-up and drop-off points, guiding them to nearby "virtual bus stops" for efficient, shared travel. It also provides real-time updates on bus arrival times.

The service operates Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 19:00 BST and is free until the end of August, after which fares will be £2.50 per journey.

The on-demand bus service can be booked using the Worcestershire on Demand app

Following the expansion into Wychavon, further plans are under way to extend the service in the first half of 2026.

It is hoped it will serve Hartlebury, Ombersley, Bewdley, Stourport and as far as Tenbury Wells.

Parks added: "We are committed to rolling out on-demand transport across Worcestershire and that's why we have a forward plan in place to provide as many people as possible with a sustainable, affordable and user-friendly way to travel."