A NEW night bus service has been launched.

The bus is aimed at students but can be used by the public too.

The University of Worcester and Worcester Students’ Union have launched the service in partnership with First Bus.

The pilot service, to be called the 31N, aims to provide a safe and affordable option for getting home from the city centre to the St John’s area for both students and the public.

The University will subsidise the service, which runs nightly during the University’s Welcome Week - Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, September 22 only - then reduces to three nights a week - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 

The pilot runs for 13 weeks initially, until Saturday, December 14. 

A review at the midway point will assess user numbers and impact to decide whether the service will continue into the second semester.

Ross Renton, pro vice chancellor at the University of Worcester, said: “As a university, we take the personal safety of our students very seriously and are dedicated to helping them to stay safe, working in close partnership with the Students’ Union to run regular campaigns.  “We are pleased therefore that the night bus will provide students with a reliable, safe means of getting home at low cost and would encourage all our students to make the most of this opportunity, as well as the public. 

"This initiative reinforces our long-term commitment to student safety and to the community.”

Harry Lonsdale, president of the Students’ Union, which helped devise the scheme, said: “The night bus is going to provide a fantastic service for our students. It gives them a safe and affordable way home after studying late in the Hive or being in later lectures, or if they are on a well-deserved night out."

He added: “We believe this is yet another initiative that will enhance the experience for our students and the sense of community that we are so proud of here in Worcester.”

The route will run from the bus station (outside of Tramps Nightclub), travelling up Hylton Road, and around the University’s St John’s Campus and on to the Bull Ring before finishing at The Hive. 

The service will start at 10pm, running half hourly, with the last bus departing at 3.30am. Journeys cost £1.

Matthew Parker, operations manager for First Worcester, said: “Buses are an effective and safe way of providing transport and we hope the service will be popular with students and residents alike.”