CHARFORD councillors have praised the success of a new on demand bus service which launched on July 19 in Bromsgrove.

The pilot ‘Bromsgrove on Demand’ (BOD) service is the first of its kind in Worcestershire and has been met with approval by councillors and residents.

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.

Councillor Michael Thompson said: "I must confess, I am not a regular bus user. If I am honest, over the years I have got used to car travel.

"However, this bus is so user friendly and I have been using it a lot where I would have ordinarily taken my car. With further investment, the bus will be fully electric in the future so that that the council meets its carbon free targets."

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Two Diamond mini-buses are being used on the service each seating 13 passengers, running initially from 7am to 7pm.

Councillor Kyle Daisley said: "When we used the bus it took no longer than 3 minutes to pick us up from our desired point. The bus is all part of our drive to link communities, like Charford, with the railway station and other residential and commercial centres. Investment will also be made in next generation green shelters for the railway station – which will utilise solar and wind power."

The 'Worcestershire on Demand’ app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Residents are able to select their pick up and drop off locations, and the app will direct them to a nearby virtual bus stop.

Each trip costs £2.50 and in the near future, seasonal passes will be available.