Rachel has welcomed further Government funding to support local bus services.
Worcestershire County Council has been awarded £1,429,686 to support its Bus Service Improvement Plan and the establishment of a new Enhanced Partnership with bus operators.
The funding will also be used to help the County Council introduce Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) solutions. DRT allows passengers to request a bus using a smartphone app, similar to services like Uber. This innovative approach will provide greater flexibility and convenience, particularly in areas with lower demand, and Rachel wants to see DRT rolled out in Redditch.
It comes as the Government has extended the scheme to cap single bus fares at £2 until October 2023. With Diamond Bus taking part in the scheme, bus users in Redditch can benefit from the fare cap.
The Government is continuing to support bus services at a time when passenger levels have only recovered to around 70% to 80% of pre-pandemic levels locally.
Local bus services are a top priority for Rachel having previously chaired the first cross-party Redditch Bus Travel Task Force meeting.
Rachel said:
“I know buses connect our communities by getting people to work, taking our kids to school, and making sure patients can get to doctors’ appointments.
“This is why local bus services are a top priority for me. Only recently I wrote to the Bus Minister about the need for the Government to continue to support our vital bus services, so I’m pleased to see the Government is doing just that with £1.4 million in new funding.
“However, I know that, although inflation is falling, the cost of living remains high for many people and families in Redditch, so I understand fare increases will only add to that pressure.
“The £2 cap for single fares is a significant part of the Government’s package of support for bus services, and I’m pleased Diamond Bus are taking part in the scheme.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the County Council and bus operators to support local services which my constituents rely on.”
