TRAVELLING to work by bus will become easier, thanks to a new additional bus service in Worcestershire.
A new service will operate from Worcester to Droitwich, improving access to key areas of the town such as the train station and the industrial parks.
The new service 153 came into operation on Monday (November 6) and will be operated on weekdays by First Bus.
Included on the route are the Berry Hill and Hampton Lovett Industrial Estates, providing workers with an important transport route at key shift times, as well as providing access to new job opportunities.
The new service has been launched following a successful bid by Worcestershire County Council for government funding, specifically for enhancing the bus services to key industrial sites within Droitwich.
Richard Chinnock, operations manager for First Worcester, said: “We’re committed to getting more people to travel by bus, so we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council to provide this additional service in the county, which will provide a much needed boost to the business community, especially those on the industrial estates it serves, as well as local residents and visitors.”
First Bus has also announced a number of smaller changes to other services in Worcester. The 144 7.10am journey from Catshill to Worcester will now leave at 7.05am and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run five minutes earlier.
There are also some timetable changes to services to Chase High and Hanley Castle Schools to align with the start and finish of the school day.
The S44 will start and terminate at Worcester Bus Station with the morning journey starting at 7.41am, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes earlier. The afternoon trip leaves the school at 3.30pm and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes later.
The 333’S 7.30am journey from Worcester will depart at 7.20am, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes earlier. The 3.50pm journey from Hanley Castle School will depart at 4pm, and all subsequent departures will run 10 minutes later than at present.
Meanwhile, the 365’s 8.03am journey from Upton-upon-Severn will leave at 7.53am, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes earlier. The 3.20pm journey from Chase High School will depart at 3.30pm, and all subsequent departures will be 10 minutes later than the current timetable.
“We’ve also been working with the council and local schools to improve our bus services for pupils to ensure they arrive and leave on time for school, resulting in some minor changes to the timetable on a few school routes,” Mr Chinnock added.
