West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin joined with council transport supremo Mike Rouse to unveil a mobile phone app which will allow more people to hop on buses.

And the MP met up with Councillor Rouse at Malvern Link train station to promote the service which is being rolled out across the Malvern area.

The app allows people to book a space on one of two small buses which are available during the day. Smart phone users are able to download the app and select collection and dropping off points for their journey, with fees fixed at £2.50.

The Worcestershire on Demand service has been trialled in Bromsgrove and is now being rolled out in Malvern Hills.

Harriett said:

“This is an innovative approach to trying to fix an increasing problem. People just aren’t using buses as much as before the pandemic and a lot of public money is being wasted subsidising large, often empty, diesel buses trundling around the region.

“This app is intended to supplement the existing network making journeys more convenient and easier to access.

“It’s not intended to compete with the major bus providers, but I am planning to meet with the managing director of our local bus company to encourage him to do much more to improve local provision. 

“I’ve always shared the message with local people – use it or lose it – and I strongly support Mike Rouse’s efforts to bring fresh thinking to this challenge.”

Councillor Mike Rouse added:

"I was grateful for Harriett's lobbying on this issue, demonstrating her strong dedication to transport issues across West Worcestershire.

“Working across councils, we have successfully deployed the Worcestershire On Demand service to rural parts of Malvern District as part of our ongoing shared mission to secure and enhance bus services across Worcestershire. As with everything, the success of this scheme depends on usage."

Photo: At Malvern Link train station Councillor Mike Rouse and Harriett Baldwin MP.