Worcestershire on Demand is celebrating five years of transforming local travel, with record-breaking passenger numbers and continued growth highlighting the success of the innovative transport service.
Since launching in 2021 as a pilot scheme in Bromsgrove, the on-demand bus service has helped thousands of residents access employment, education, healthcare appointments and other essential services, particularly in areas where traditional public transport options can be limited.
Today, the service covers large parts of Worcestershire and has become an important part of the county’s public transport network, helping people to travel more easily and conveniently.
Over the past 12 months, Worcestershire on Demand has completed more than 80,000 journeys, taking the total number of passenger trips since launch to 211,108.
The milestone reflects the growing popularity of the service and the important role it plays in helping residents in rural areas stay connected and get where they need to go.
The Worcestershire on Demand app allows passengers to book a journey at a time that suits them, travel within their designated zone and access a range of points of interest beyond their zone. The app also offers live vehicle tracking, making it easier for passengers to know when their bus will arrive. Since the launch, the app has been downloaded almost 24,000 times, demonstrating a strong and growing demand for the service.
Passenger satisfaction remains exceptionally high, with riders awarding the service an average rating of 4.8 out of 5, reflecting its reliability, convenience and customer-focused design.
Councillor Tom Wells, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Reaching five years of Worcestershire on Demand is a fantastic milestone and an opportunity to celebrate the positive difference the service has made to people’s lives. What began as a pilot has developed into a trusted and well used transport option for communities across Worcestershire.”
“Completing 80,000 journeys in the last year alone shows just how far the service has come and how valuable it is to residents. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this anniversary and look forward to continuing to help residents and visitors alike travel around Worcestershire with confidence and ease.”
For more information about Worcestershire on Demand, including full details on where you can travel and a short video explaining how to book a journey, please visit the Worcestershire on Demand page on the council’s website.
Anyone who needs help downloading or using the app can also receive support and guidance from staff at local libraries.