Community Bus - Again!
OUTCOME
It will be no surprise following the disappointing response to the survey, that the scheme has been put on hold for the present.
We are still working with County and Wychavon on alternative ways to provide more and better transport options for our communities.
An on-demand bus service which has been trialled in other parts of the county is being extended and we are trying to ensure that our area is considered for the next phase. More information will follow.
Community Bus Scheme 2024
You may recall that we ran a project last year to try to raise funds for an ambitious Community Bus scheme, which failed to achieve the necessary targets.
However - we still believe that there is a need and that the idea is too good to neglect ..........so we have now identified a new option for a slightly reduced 1 or 2 day a week service between our villages and Pershore.
The service would feature a pre-booking element and could also include villages en-route such as Lower Moor and Wyre Piddle.
Subject to funding approval (which will need evidence of demand for the service) we could potentially have a pilot service in place within a couple of months.
The anticipated destination would be our nearest town, Pershore and would allow several hours in town before the return service.
There would be a small charge though though the service would be subsidised by the parish council.
Survey RESULT
The results of the survey which was advertised on noticeboards, website, social media, newsletter etc were as follows:-
There were 18 responses in total - 16 online and 2 through the Community Views boxes.
7 of these were from residents of Wyre Piddle (who were also invited to respond by their Parish Council)
In Detail:_
Total Yes responses (11)
- 6 were Bishampton and Throckmorton and 5 from Wyre Piddle
Total No responses (7)
- Of these 6 were Bishampton and Throckmorton and 1 was Wyre Piddle
SUMMARY
Only 6 people in Bishampton and Throckmorton (and 5 from Wyre Piddle) responded to say they would use the proposed service
8 of which represented multiple travellers.
Needless to say this result is disappointing and is unlikely to justify investment in the proposed service.
The Parish Council will continue to explore other options for providing better public transport options for the villages.