PEOPLE across the Vale have been urged to have their say on BOLD public transport plans during a 12 week consultation period which began on Monday.

The BOLD proposals, which include home to school transport provision across the county, aim to reduce the amount of money spent on subsidising bus routes not provided for on a commercial basis by private operators.

About 17 million passenger journeys are made on public transport in Worcestershire each year, with 4.6m of these on subsidised services.

On going reviews of routes and the introduction of new tendering and procurement methods has already helped save £927,000, but the county council said further savings are needed.

Worcestershire County Council’s Derek Prodger said: "The proposed reduction in bus subsidies is not something we are taking lightly and before any final decisions are made we need to hear from people in Evesham, Pershore and the rest of Worcestershire to get their views.

“It's absolutely vital that people take the opportunity during this public consultation to have their say.

“We understand just how important this issue is so what we haven't done is simply look at the costs involved. A number of things have been taken into account, including levels of need and possible alternative services."

The BOLD programme proposes a reduction of £2.5million in the subsidised local bus budget funded by the taxpayer, currently £4m per year.

To use the remaining funding for routes around Worcestershire in the best possible way six categories have been used to measure the benefits and value of the services currently subsidised. These are the actual cost per passenger carried; the average number of passengers on each journey; the deprivation index for the areas served by the service; the car ownership level of the areas served; the primary journey purpose, and the availability of alternative services for the journeys being made.

To find out more or to have your say go to worcestershire.gov.uk/public&busserviceschoolreview.

Copies of the questionnaire can be downloaded from the website. Paper versions will be available in local libraries and Hubs and can also be obtained by calling the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765.