BUS users across the county are being urged to check bus timetables ahead of a number of changes to services taking place next month from September 1.

The changes come after the largest ever County Council consultation earlier this year into the future of subsidised services.

Around 20 per cent of journeys are currently made on subsidised services and the consultation attracted around 8,500 responses.

Based on the feedback received and a service-by-service review the original plans to withdraw £3million used to subsidise routes, changed considerably.

A total of 73 services currently subsidised will now continue, 14 of which will run on a commercial basis.

This means those linking schools, rural areas, health services and providing links to essential shopping areas will largely remain in place with some changes including to routes and frequency levels.

In addition to the alterations to previously subsidised buses a number of commercial services are also being altered so all passengers are being advised to check ahead of September 1.

One of the major changes will see Worcester's Park and Ride W1 service cancelled from next month.

Councillor John Smith, county council cabinet member for Highways, said: "We listened to the views of everyone that got in touch during the consultation and took a considered approach when it came to taking this difficult decision. The final outcome means the vast majority of passengers are still able to access public transport, whether that be subsidised or commercially operated, whilst at the same time realising a £1.4million a year saving for the taxpayer."

Passengers can visit worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables, for information on all routes, including those that will change, from September 1.

Assistance on planning journeys by bus around Worcestershire can also be found at

traveline.info or by calling Traveline on 0871 200 2233.