Worcestershire limits cuts to supported services

Following a countywide consultation process which attracted over 8,500 responses, revised proposals for supporting bus services were agreed by Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet on 9 June. The original proposal to save £3M by the withdrawal of all support has been replaced by a new package of measures that will save £1.6M whilst limiting the impact on service provision. The savings will be generated by revised supported services to be introduced from September, the agreement of operators to run a number of services or journeys commercially, potentially at higher fares and an increased role for community transport schemes. The County plans to end support for Worcester’s two dedicated Park and Ride services which will be withdrawn although frequent commercial services pass the main parking site. Response to the consultation was strongest in the rural south of the County where the need for supported services is most evident, overall 80% of services in the County are operated commercially.