On-demand bus service could be expanded further

An on-demand bus service in Worcestershire could be expanded again - this time to help people trying to access education.

The county council has said more than 62,000 journeys were completed on the Worcestershire On Demand service in 2025, an increase of 79% in a year.

Bosses are now exploring ideas for how to grow it further, which includes helping people trying to reach schools, colleges or university.

Reform councillor Karl Perks, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "On demand has seen excellent growth - we've seen a really positive response from residents."

The service revolves around an app and has no fixed timetable, allowing users to select pick-up and drop-off points along a particular route.

It was launched in 2021 in Bromsgrove and has already been expanded several times, including in the north west of the county last week.

Perks added: "It's connected isolated communities with a really reliable public transport service.

"It's not a replacement for fixed-route commercial services - it's there to ensure we can fill in the gaps and reach rural areas that maybe aren't being served as well.

"The aim is to move to county-wide coverage, but to do it in a responsible way so it's sustainable - we are looking at how 'on demand' can provide greater access to education."

Cleaner Carla Merry, a passenger on one service travelling across Bromsgrove, said she did not drive and found the transport really helpful.

"I can't fault it - the buses are clean and the app is really easy to use," she said.

Stephanie Cartlidge, who works at Greggs in Bromsgrove, added: "A friend told me about this service and I now use it five times a week.

"It's only £2.50 to get on - I'm saving money compared to using a normal bus."

Last year, the service expanded into Wychavon, with the number of users across the district more than tripling between August and December.

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