Bus travel is the number one transport issue for Worcestershire residents, according to the county's new cabinet member for highways.

Councillor Mike Rouse said the issue has been brought to his attention more than any other since he came into the post in May.

He was speaking as he launched a new bus travel task force to review whether the current provision meets residents’ needs.

The group will be made up of county council representatives, bus operators, passenger groups, and Worcestershire MPs.

Residents are being encouraged to have their say by contacting their local councillor, who will be invited to join the task force.

READ MORE: Three months to fix Worcestershire's troubled bus service amid calls for “radical” change

The aim of the task force is to provide a platform for new solutions and ideas on how current issues can be addressed.

These will then be shared with the Department for Transport. 

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.

“Since I have come into my post, this is the number one issue brought to my attention by our residents.

Worcestershire councillor has started catching the bus

“As such, I have increased the amount I now travel by bus to try and experience first-hand the issues our residents raise.

“My ongoing experiences highlight that we need to work alongside our operating partners to work out how we make bus travel sustainable for all involved in this area.

“I’m hoping the task force will give the opportunity for some much-needed discussions to be had and awareness raised of what is an ongoing issue for several local authorities, not just us here in Worcestershire.”

Cllr Rouse said he hoped the creation of the task force would reassure residents that the council is trying to make bus services more viable in the long term.

“There are many challenges to this puzzle, not least how we overcome reduced demand,” he added.

“Some tough decisions and conversations will be required, but by working together we can achieve a better bus network.”