Under-19s have to pay as free bus travel ends

The move, which coincides with the start of the new school term this week - ends a year-long promotion by Worcestershire County Council, which started with the launch of the Worcester Express service last September.

Lorna Phillips, divisional marketing manager for waste and passenger transport, said the promotion had led to a dramatic rise in the number of youngsters using the service - who have accounted for 25 per cent of its 271,735.

"The year has gone really well, with lots more young people travelling with us which is brilliant," she said.

Mrs Phillips said the increase had created some problems at peak times, with some customers finding large numbers of children, occasionally behaving badly, off-putting.

She said the council had also been made aware that some youngsters had started hopping on and off the buses for very short distances because of the offer - resulting in them missing out on the health benefits of walking.

Although the promotion ended on Monday following two weeks of warnings on buses, under 19s will now be able to take advantage of long-term discounted travel, with the introduction of a £1 charge to use any Worcester Express bus - half the price of a standard ticket.

They can also take advantage of the Under 19 Weekly Saver, which will entitle them to six consecutive days of travel for just £4 and use the Warndon FlexiLINK for £1.

Mrs Phillips added: "I hope the number of youngsters travelling with us will stay quite high.

"It is a small charge - we don't want to put people off using the bus and start driving again. The school traffic is a major cause of congestion so anything we can do to keep that down is paramount."

Under-19 tickets can be purchased on board buses or from the ticket machine at Perdiswell Park and Ride.

The Under-19 Weekly Saver is also available by calling 0845 6034102.

For information about timetable, fare and route changes call 01905 765765.