Malvern sees rise in on demand bus service use

The service, which launched last year, provides public transport based on demand rather than using fixed routes and timetables, and now averages over 1000 completed trips per month and equates for 37% of all journey’s carried out by the Worcestershire on Demand service.

The buses provide a service for areas including Upton upon Severn, Kempsey, Hanley Swan, Hanley Castle, Longdon, Bushley and Welland. Passengers can travel to local points of interest, such as Malvern Community Hospital, Malvern Link and Great Malvern railway stations and Malvern Retail Park as well as further afield to places like Worcestershire Parkway Station, Worcester Countryside Centre and Tewkesbury town centre.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council said: “It’s fantastic that we’re seeing more people using the service in Malvern. Initially, we saw numbers growing steadily, but in recent months the service has become increasingly popular.

“This is a great service, covering many journeys across the district and beyond. The buses provide a sustainable and efficient way of getting around a rural setting and are a key part of our mission to enhance bus travel in Worcestershire.”

Buses in the Worcestershire on Demand Malvern zone are operated by Malvern Community Action (in conjunction with Worcester Wheels) and LMS Travel. The service is funded by Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council.

Councillor Tom Wells, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities, Health and Wellbeing at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “It’s great to see the Worcestershire on Demand bus service thriving within the Malvern Hills District. Community Transport initiatives like this provide a lifeline to residents with limited travel options. Not only does it open up more opportunities for people, but it is also a sustainable and eco-friendly travel solution. We hope the service continues to grow and more people take advantage of this brilliant service.”

The buses run from 7:00am until 7:00pm Monday to Saturday. There’s a flat fare of £2.50 for journeys per person, with additional passengers paying £1.25 and concessionary cards are accepted. Ticket bundles are available.

Malvern is the second area to operate Worcestershire on Demand buses, following the successful launch of the service in Bromsgrove in July 2021. The Bromsgrove service also saw an expansion earlier this year, to cover Wythall, Alvechurch, Stoke Pound and Stoke Prior.

On demand buses offer a bespoke alternative service to the familiar local bus. They provide a flexible, affordable, and sustainable form of public transport. Passengers request a journey through an app, and they are collected quickly and within a few metres of their location. Passengers share journeys with others. Journeys may involve a short walk to maximise route efficiency, eliminate lengthy detours, and replicate journey times in a private car.

The ’Worcestershire on Demand’ app, which has over 7500 accounts created since launch, is available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. A passenger 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.

If you want to find out more, please visit the Worcestershire On Demand Bus Service pages of the County Council website.