Outcomes

The strategy seeks to deliver the following outcomes:

• terms of a network, offers access to key services (rural and urban)
• a sustainable passenger transport network
• a robust procedure for deciding where, when and how we financially support services
• carry out the Bus Services Act 2017 which will benefit Worcestershire’s residents

Aims

The strategy includes the following aims:

Network commercialisation: 

• improving operators to provide their services commercially

Access to services: 

• good network coverage
• operating times
• frequency of the service
• network integration
• best value

Attractive and affordable services: 

• costs are competitive; technology will help achieve this aim

Quality of service:

• essential in successful passenger transport services

Publicity and information:

• information about services available
• easily understood
• production is cost effective

Objectives

The strategy also includes the following more detailed objectives which support achievement of the strategic aims:

Home to school and social care transport:

This objective will provide an opportunity to review current provision and enhance integration where appropriate.

Network prioritisation: 

This objective focuses on where we will prioritise resources and ensure best value; this also places emphasis on the commercialisation of the network.

Performance Management Framework Model: 

Achieving best value, recognised that new ways of thinking are required. This enables services to be ranked for both existing and future service provision, the prioritisation of customer journeys formed an important part of the consultation.

Alternative service provision: 

This objective considers other services which can complement the network.

Fares and ticketing: 

Ticketing options which allows passengers to undertake their journey using more than one form of transport, this will take account of available new technology.

Information and infrastructure: 

Information is provided in the most appropriate way and considers the requirements of the Bus Services Act (2017) and levels of infrastructure provision (e.g. Bus shelters) across the network.

Modal integration: 

This objective focuses on the need to consider all methods of passenger transport to achieve improved integration; this includes consideration of accessibility of services and cost-effective passenger transport options.

Bus use in Worcestershire has declined over the last 50 years which reflects the national trend. 

We are committed to improving journey times and reliability for all road-based transport, the quality of the local environment and making passenger transport services more attractive for our residents.

We recognise that the strategy is required to support the scale of planned future growth which includes, for example, housing and employment within the county.

Given reduced funding for transport, our strategy must prioritise resources to sustain the network while meeting Worcestershire's needs efficiently and affordably. 

This means carefully allocating funds to support commercial transport services while ensuring they meet the county's requirements effectively despite budget constraints and rising fuel costs. 

We closely monitor spending and apply clear criteria to make funding decisions that best serve our residents.

We consider existing strategies, county size, population, and financial conditions in developing the strategy.

The main purpose of Worcestershire’s Passenger Transport Network is to provide an efficient, resilient and integrated system which provides access for everyone to a wide range of services and facilities. These include employment, education, health, retail and leisure.

Our priorities will include home to work and home to school journeys. A healthy commercial network is critical in delivering this.

The main providers of passenger transport services in Worcestershire are commercial organisations that operate local bus services on a profit-making basis, as envisaged when the local bus service market outside London was de-regulated in 1985. 

It is important for Worcestershire residents that commercial bus networks are attractive, efficient and stable. 

Well-run networks can meet the needs of local people by providing a transport network which reduces congestion, vehicular emissions and provides access to a wide range of employment and wider life-enhancing opportunities.

While commercial bus services are outside our direct control, we will work in co-operation with commercial operators to help deliver an efficient, reliable bus network which meets the needs of the people of Worcestershire and encourages increased use of local transport services.

We hope to encourage operators to achieve this by:

• collaborating to solve network issues, supporting smooth operations
• ensuring roadwork congestion doesn't harm transport
• working with them to improve reliability and punctuality of services
• developing quality partnerships with operators
• facilitating integrated journeys with smooth transitions at transport hubs
• encourage promotion of passenger transport services