A NEW BUS service to serve Tolladine residents has been revealed following the results of a survey by Labour county councillors.
Coun Paul Denham has dug deep into his council funding to bring the ‘Tolly Shopper’ service to life. The new community lifeline will launch on Monday (February 11) and run on two different routes on Monday and Wednesday’s.
The former Mayor of Worcester discovered during his survey many residents were unable to get to shops and medical appointments without using taxis.
The survey showed since a previous bus service had been withdrawn, residents had become more socially isolated.
Retired people entitled to free bus travel could no longer catch a local bus.
Coun Denham has worked with the city’s community transport provider, Worcester Wheels, to introduce a new regular service for people not living on a bus route.
Initially, the service will be subsidised using county councillors’ divisional funds. Coun Paul Denham and Ceri Stalker have each made a grant for the benefit of their residents.
“Reductions in bus services have hurt people without cars and those unable to drive and we are pleased to announce this new service,” said Coun Denham.
“We are offering this on a six month trial and need local people to use it if it is to continue after that. Worcester Wheels uses modern minibuses and cars and their volunteer drivers are friendly and helpful to their customers, including the disabled.”
Vehicles will collect passengers from outside their homes and destinations include Ambleside Drive Co-op, Sainsbury and Tesco in Warndon, Crowngate Bus Station and the Royal Hospital. There will be a return journey later in the day.
Customers need to become members of Worcester Wheels but the first six months will be paid for from the divisional funds.
Interested residents can join free by phoning 01905 450654 and quoting ‘Tolly Shopper’.
Seats on the buses must be reserve in advance on the same phone number.
The fare will be £2 for each single journey and £4 return.
