TRANSPORT chiefs in Worcestershire are hoping to turn around a decline in commercial bus services by changing their funding strategy.

This will include providing more cash for community services, funding on-demand schemes and investing in better vehicles on key routes.

The money will be found by diverting funds from lightly-used routes

Over the last two years, operators have axed many unprofitable services to concentrate on key routes.

The county council has spent around £500,000 a year more than its current budget in order to prop up services.

"The scheme is intended to develop more effective partnerships with bus operators," said Pete Browne, head of passenger transport at the county council.

"This will encourage greater use of the core services so that they eventually become commercial and the county council can redirect funding to 'pump-priming' other routes."

The strategy also details measures to encourage greater use of public transport including county-wide concessionary fares and the introduction of more low-level buses.

It goes to the Cabinet for approval on Thursday.