THE number of pensioners using bus services in Worcestershire has trebled since free journeys were introduced for the elderly and infirm, it has been revealed.

Figures released by Worcestershire County Council show that the area's main operator, First, said 268,000 pensioners and disabled people used services in April, compared to 82,000 in March. This equated to more than quarter of a million journeys.

Each of the six Worcestershire districts have shown a substantial rise in numbers, with the highest levels in Worcester, Redditch and Bromsgrove. The numbers for the Bromsgrove were five times higher than the previous month's totals.

The scheme means that those aged 60 and over, and those with a disability, can travel across the whole county, and even over county boundaries free of charge, at any time of day.

An intensive advertising campaign followed the introduction of the scheme to let people know about it and how to apply for passes.

Lorna Phillips, marketing manager for Worcestershire County Council, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with April's numbers, which show that people are aware of the scheme, and that it is really benefiting them."

Margaret Dow, of the Older People's Forum of Worcester, said she was also delighted that the latest figures showed such a big increase.

She said: "It's excellent news. I've had a lot of feedback from people since April saying they are going to apply for passes and use the bus where normally they would have taken the car, so it's good news for the city centre traffic and the environment too."

Dawid Maciejewski, spokesman for First, said he was also pleased with the results, but added that no extra services would be needed to meet the increased demand.

He said: "Our staff have worked extremely hard with district and county officers to ensure that the free scheme has been successful. We are delighted to have met the travel needs of so many customers in the county.

"This has a positive effect on the environment and is a welcome sign that more people are choosing to leave their cars at home.

"We will continue to deliver a high quality service for our customers and will monitor levels of passenger demand to ensure that reliability and service delivery standards are maintained. Bus service frequencies are currently unaffected at this time."