A NEW bus service between Worcester and Droitwich is set to improve access to areas such as train stations and industrial parks.

The new 153 service, will be operated during weekdays by First Bus from Monday, November 6.

On the route are the Berry Hill and Hampton Lovett Industrial Estates, which First Bus has said will provide workers with an important transport route at key shift times, as well as providing access to new job opportunities.

The new service has been launched following a successful bid by Worcestershire County Council for government funding, specifically for enhancing the bus services to key industrial sites within Droitwich.

Richard Chinnock, operations manager for First Worcester, said: “We’re committed to getting more people to travel by bus, so we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council to provide this additional service in the county.

"it will provide a much-needed boost to the business community, especially those on the industrial estates it serves, as well as local residents and visitors."

First Bus has also announced a number of smaller changes to other services in the Worcester area from Sunday, November 5.

  • Service 144 (Worcester to Catshill) – the 7.10am journey from Catshill to Worcester will leave at 7.05am and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run five minutes earlier.
  • There are also some timetable changes to services to The Chase and Hanley Castle Schools to align with the start and finish of the school day:
  • Service S44 – the service will start and terminate at Worcester Bus Station with the morning journey starting at 7.41am, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes earlier. The afternoon trip leaves the school at 3.30pm and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes later.
  • Service 333 – the 7.30am journey from Worcester will depart at 7.20am, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes earlier. The 3.50pm journey from Hanley Castle School will depart at 4pm, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes later.
  • Service 365 – the 8.03am journey from Upton-upon-Severn will depart at 7.53am, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes earlier. The 3.20pm journey from The Chase School will depart at 3.30pm, and all subsequent departures on the current timetable will run 10 minutes later.