A SECOND park and ride passenger terminal costing £5.8 million is set to open in Worcester despite falling user numbers.

The new terminal at Sixways, which will cost local taxpayers about £340,000 to operate in the first year, will serve commuters travelling from the north, east or south of the county.

Three new bus routes around the city, including one which stops at Worces-tershire Royal Hospital, have been introduced along with new tickets and fares.

It comes less than three weeks after an investigation by your Worcester News revealed the existing 450-capacity site in Perdiswell, which costs about £350,000 a year to operate, has suffered a drop in user numbers since it opened in 2001. It is now being used by fewer than 200 vehicles per day.

Councillor Tom Wells, who is deputy leader of the opposition at County Hall, said: “It’s an astonishing amount of money for what will deliver very little tangible benefits to the city.”

Situated next to the Worcester Warriors’ rugby ground, just off junction six of the M5 motorway, the new terminal, which opens on Monday, has received £2.7 million funding from Ad-vantage West Midlands – the regional body which funds development schemes – with the remaining £3.1 million coming from Worcestershire County Council. That money has also paid for all highways works for the rugby club.

As well as serving Worcestershire Royal Hos-pital, the new terminal will see buses take passengers to and from the Spetchley Road/Whittington area. It is projected that there will be 195,000 passenger journeys to and from Sixways in the first year. There are currently 410,000 passenger journeys a year at Perdiswell.

Councillor Derek Prodger, cabinet member for transport and safe environment, said: “The new site and services will represent real convenience and value.

“Getting into Worcester and back for just £3.50 for up to six passengers and one driver offers great value for money, great service and the opportunity to spend more time enjoying your time in Worcester, making the most of your day.

“Improving transport services is a county council priority and the investment in this new facility and services demonstrates our commitment to providing residents with high quality transport options.”

Ticket to ride

W2 – Operated by Worcestershire County Council, it will run on a limited stop basis between Sixways and Spetchley Road via Worcestershire Royal Hospital, about every 10 minutes Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm.

33 – Operated by First, it will run between Sixways and Worcester bus station via Warndon and Tolladine, about every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm.

34 – Operated by First, it will run between Sixways and Worcester bus station via Warndon, the Lyppard Centre and Tolladine, about every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm.

Services will be restricted at times of Worcester Warriors’ home rugby games, with most services operating from the nearby coach stop at Shire Business Park.

Ticket prices include a £2.20 daily ticket, £8 weekly ticket and a £3.50 group ticket for up to seven people. All ticket prices include parking charges. Discounted tickets will be available for staff of organisations with an employer travel plan, as well as several concessionary fares.

The new tickets and fares will also apply to the existing park and ride at Perdiswell. Further details about the new services, fares and timetables can be found online at worcestershire.gov.uk/park andride or by contacting the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765 or e-mailing worcestershirehub@worcestershire.gov.uk.