More than 800 journeys have been completed by Bromsgrove’s new on-demand buses in the first month since the service launched.
The pilot ‘Bromsgrove on Demand’ (BOD) service launched on July 19 and allows people living within Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, and surrounding villages to access both on-demand and pre-booked buses for journeys anywhere within the service area, including to and from the town centre, Bromsgrove Railway Station or nearby villages.
The aim of the service is to help reduce congestion and provide improved public transport options for local residents. It is hoped if the pilot is a success, the service will be rolled out across the whole of the county.
In the first month alone, there have been 802 completed journeys and the mobile app has been downloaded 824 times by customers.
Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We’re delighted at the success of the pilot Bromsgrove on Demand service so far.
“To have over 800 journeys completed in the first month has exceeded even our own expectations.
“It goes to show what a great pilot scheme it is and that the people of Bromsgrove really wanted it and are willing to use it.”
The ‘Worcestershire on Demand’ app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. When someone downloads the app, they will be able to select their pick-up and drop-off location when booking a journey.
The system will then direct people to a nearby ‘virtual bus stop’ for pick-up and drop-off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without any detours.
There is a flat rate for each journey of £2.50 and in the near future, seasonal passes will be available.
Two Diamond mini-buses are being used on the service and they can each seat 13 passengers and they run from 7am to 7pm.
