A BUS Travel Task Force is being set up in Worcestershire to review the current provision.

Earlier this month, The Advertiser revealed two Bromsgrove bus services could be axed in the coming months due to lack of funding and reduced passenger numbers.

The 52A which runs from The Alexandra Hospital in Redditch to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bromsgrove could be axed from the end of August due to passenger numbers.

The S83 which is a school bus running from Redditch to North Bromsgrove High School via Alvechurch and Barnt Green could also face the chop.

Diamond Bus said they do not want to cut services and are in discussion with the council and MPs to improve the position.

A spokesperson for Diamond Bus said: “For a long time, we have operated services which are unviable, and we have not taken this decision lightly.”

In response, Worcestershire County Council is setting up a task force to review current bus provisions and to ensure bus travel can meet residents’ needs across the county.

This group will be comprised of the county council, bus operators, passenger groups, and the individual constituency Members of Parliament for Worcestershire.

Councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport said: “We know how important bus travel is to residents across Worcestershire, especially those who rely on their local services on a regular basis to make appointments, get to and from work or even see their family.

“I have set out our mission to review, enhance and secure our network now and into the future, and I hope this approach provides the residents of Worcestershire with reassurance that we are committed to making the necessary changes to provide longer-term viability where we can.”