A number of complaints and concerns have been brought to our attention about the recent withdrawal of the paper version of Worcester Plus 10-trip ticket and its replacement with a smart phone mobile app. Passengers who do not have a mobile phone will no longer be able to purchase the reduced price 10-trip tickets. People who live in West Worcestershire’s rural communities where there is very poor broadband provision will not be able to use the app to purchase tickets or provide evidence of purchase to the bus driver.

For people without a smart phone, the cheapest fare that can now be purchased is either a £4 single or a £5.50 return, whereas before it was £3.60. This is a considerable increase in cost, particularly for people who are in part time or low paid jobs and depend on the bus to travel to work. We have contacted First Bus who have justified the change on the basis that 76% of people now own Smartphones.

We are keen to get a better picture of how much inconvenience this will cause. Please let us know if you, or people you know, are affected, by filling in our Contact page HERE.