UNIVERSITY chiefs have launched a new night bus service in partnership with First Bus in a bid to help students get home safely after a night out in the city centre.
Staff from the University of Worcester and Worcester Students’ Union took the wraps off the pilot service, the 31N, as part of Welcome Week for students which will see the bus run every night until Sunday (September 22).
The service will then run on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights for the next three months, initially until Saturday December 14. It will be reviewed halfway through the trial to assess user numbers and impact to decide whether the service will continue into the second semester.
Ross Renton, pro vice chancellor at the University of Worcester, said: “We are pleased the night bus will provide students with a reliable, safe means of getting home at low cost and would encourage all our students to make the most of this opportunity, as well as the public.
The route will run from the bus station outside Tramps Nightclub, travelling up Hylton Road and around the University’s St John’s Campus and on to the Bull Ring before finishing at The Hive.
The service will start at 10pm, running half hourly, with the last bus departing at 3.30am.
Journeys cost £1 and are payable by contactless card, through a mobile phone or with an e-ticket.
Harry Lonsdale, president of the Students’ Union, said: “The night bus is going to provide a fantastic service for our students. It gives them a safe and affordable way home after studying late in the Hive or being in later lectures, or if they are on a well-deserved night out.
Matthew Parker, operations manager for First Worcester, said: “Buses are an effective and safe way of providing transport and we hope the service will be popular with students and residents alike.”
