CASH could soon be on its way to improve transport across Worcestershire.
The county council has submitted three bids to the Department of Transport to support its strategic transport plan.
The requests for investment are for the Rural Mobility Fund and the All Electric Bus Town, along with a portion of the COVID-19 Emergency Active Travel Fund.
The Rural Mobility fund focuses on Demand Responsive Transport, a hybrid between the ‘traditional’ local bus and bespoke community transport.
If successful the bids will enable Worcestershire residents to access a wider range of journeys with more flexibility and increased access to destinations.
The All Electric Bus Town fund will enable the council to explore measures that can contribute to lower emissions and study the opportunities that an Electric Bus Town would bring to residents.
The Covid-19 Emergency Active Travel Fund, £1.35million would be allocated in two phases – the first for the immediate response as part of recovery and the second to support more long-term objectives.
Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport said: “I look forward to seeing if we are successful in our bids which are innovative and ambitious, and will in particular encourage bus use for all our residents, including those in the more isolated parts of Worcestershire.
“This will help to shape our future by protecting our economy and environment.”
The Council’s key priorities include transport infrastructure, technology and services to tackle congestion and increase travel choice.
These are designed to support planned growth and bring wider benefits for a healthier and wealthier Worcestershire.
These bids will complement Worcestershire’s Passenger Transport Strategy (LTP4) which is to support all forms of passenger transport.
This is so that residents can access their employment, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure facilities in a way that they choose and is most suited to their needs.