WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has been awarded over £1million to support its Bus Service Improvement Plan and the establishment of a new Enhanced Partnership with bus operators.
The funding will also be used to help the county council introduce Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) solutions.
DRT allows passengers to request a bus using a smartphone app, similar to services such as Uber.
It is hoped the new scheme will provide greater flexibility and convenience, particularly in areas with lower demand.
This comes after Diamond Bus increased its fares in the town by 10 per cent, saying the cost-of-living crisis had increased the amount needed to run services.
Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch, welcomed the funding and said: “I know buses connect our communities by getting people to work, taking our kids to school, and making sure patients can get to doctors’ appointments.
“This is why local bus services are a top priority for me.
“Only recently I wrote to the Bus Minister about the need for the Government to continue to support our vital bus services, so I’m pleased to see the Government is doing just that with £1.4million in new funding.
“However, I know that, although inflation is falling, the cost of living remains high for many people and families in Redditch, so I understand fare increases will only add to that pressure.
“The £2 cap for single fares is a significant part of the Government’s package of support for bus services, and I’m pleased Diamond Bus is taking part in the scheme.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the county council and bus operators to support local services which my constituents rely on.”
