Worcestershire on-demand bus network expanding
Worcestershire’s on-demand bus network is expanding, with a new service launching in large parts of Wychavon in August 2025.
This marks the county’s third on-demand zone, following rollouts in Bromsgrove and Malvern. Designed to offer a convenient alternative to traditional public transport, the service connects passengers to their destinations without fixed routes or timetables.
To ensure smooth and efficient operations across this large geographical area, journeys will be capped at 15km as the crow flies.
Following the expansion into Wychavon, further plans are underway to introduce a Central Zone later this year, with a North West Zone scheduled for launch in the first half of 2026.
The Central Zone will encompass areas including Stourport, Hartlebury, Ombersley and surrounding central rural communities. The North West Zone will primarily serve the Wyre Forest District, extending from Bewdley and as far west as Tenbury Wells.
The service operates Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm. To celebrate the launch, all journeys will be free for the first month. After this period, fares will be £2.50 per person per journey, with £1.25 for additional passengers. Concessionary cards are accepted, and veterans can ride free of charge.
Since its launch in the Bromsgrove area in July 2021, Worcestershire on Demand has completed over 104,000 trips, with the Malvern service, launched in June 2023, seeing nearly 18,000 trips.
Buses in the Wychavon zone will be operated by Via, who also supply the system for managing the bookings and vehicles.
Passengers can book journeys via the Worcestershire on Demand app, which allows users to select their pick-up and drop-off points, guiding them to nearby ‘virtual bus stops’.
“We are confident that by partnering with WCC on both software and operations, we will improve rural connectivity for residents across Wychavon by providing efficient, reliable public transport” – Sam Griffiths, Head of the UK & Nordics at Via
Sam Griffiths, Head of the UK & Nordics at Via, said: “Via is proud to support Worcestershire County Council’s ambitious plan of delivering a countywide DRT service. We are confident that by partnering with WCC on both software and operations, we will improve rural connectivity for residents across Wychavon by providing efficient, reliable public transport.”
“The on-demand bus service has proven extremely popular in Bromsgrove and Malvern, so we’re thrilled to now offer the same convenience to Wychavon residents” – Cllr Karl Perks, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council
Cllr Karl Perks, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The on-demand bus service has proven extremely popular in Bromsgrove and Malvern, so we’re thrilled to now offer the same convenience to Wychavon residents. The piloting of a journey cap and smaller vehicles reflects our tailored approach to meet the unique needs of each community and we’ll be closely monitoring feedback as the service launches.
“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.”