Over 50,000 journeys have been made on 51²è¥’s on demand buses since they launched three years ago.
The impressive landmark has been reached in Bromsgrove and Malvern where the 51²èÂ¥ on Demand buses operate six days a week.
51²èÂ¥ on Demand buses provide transport on demand rather than using fixed routes and timetables. The service was successfully launched as a pilot in Bromsgrove in July 2021, followed by a second service covering the south of the Malvern Hills District, which starting operating last year.
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 the 51²èÂ¥ on Demand 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.
Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport at 51²èÂ¥, said: “It’s been great to see the services grow in both Bromsgrove and Malvern, with each and every one of the 50,000 trips providing much needed support to residents.
“On demand transport provides a sustainable and efficient way of getting around and is a key part of our mission to enhance and secure bus travel in 51²èÂ¥.â€
The service is set to be expanded later this year to cover Evesham and Pershore.
On Demand buses run from 7am until 7pm 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.
The 51²èÂ¥ on Demand app, which has been downloaded over 5,000 times, is available 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.
More information about the service is available on the 51²èÂ¥ on demand webpages.
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