ALMOST 100 people attended two meetings to grill officials about the future of transport and how to tackle congestion in Worcester.

At the sessions, held at the Sixways Stadium off Pershore Lane, people were able to see in greater detail plans for the three park-and-ride routes, due to begin service on Monday, September 5.

There was also a model of the innovative, environmentally-friendly bus terminal proposed for Whittington, designed to be hidden beneath a hill so that the beautiful view of the Malverns from the A44 is preserved.

There was also information about free travel for under-19s and over-60s, pedestrian lanes and cycle routes, and car parking.

Lorna Phillips, the scheme's project manager, said she was pleased with the response for the public.

She said: "People are really excited about the scheme.

"They asked a lot of questions. They did not bring up any concerns that we did not already know about and are trying to tackle anyway.

"The people also had some good quite good ideas, like how to promote the routes."

Jon Baddely, of Ripon Road off Newtown Road, said: "It's a good idea but whether it works, well we'll have to see.

The 68-year-old said he was particularly happy with the free travel for the over 60s.

"I reckon it's a good idea especially for the elderly. It's about time something was done for them."

During Monday evening's meeting a number of issues were raised. One woman wanted to know why there wasn't free transport in the city to take youngsters to school.

County councillor John Smith, cabinet member for the environment, replied: "If we see a huge up-take at the very early stages of the project we would like to extend the concept across the city."

Another man was concerned about bus drivers leaving stops too early.

Steve Zancker, from bus operator, First, said: "It's unforgivable and something that we don't want them to do.

"There is a customer contact number and if drivers do leave stops early we'd like to here about it."

What do you think? Contact us by writing to: letters@thisisworcester. co.uk or: Letters, Worcester News, Hylton Road, Worc-ester, WR2 5JX.