STUDENTS using colleges in Worcestershire could be in line for improved bus services.

Last year, Worcester MP Mike Foster wrote to First Midland Red to point out student bus passes - which offer cheap fares - currently cease to operate at 7pm.

This is despite the fact some courses at post-16 colleges such as Worcester College of Technology do not end until 9.30pm.

He wants students to be allowed to use their passes after 7pm on transport from colleges throughout the county.

Mr Foster said he had received an encouraging reply from Austin Birks, the bus company's commercial development manager.

In his letter, Mr Birks said he intended to hold talks with Worcestershire County Council about the possibility of re-directing some evening services into colleges, on which the passes would be valid.

Mr Foster said he would welcome the move.

"We need to encourage more people to continue learning, and if it means cheaper public transport, so be it," he said. "Mr Birks admits the 7pm limit applies because it's always been done this way.

"The days of colleges offering courses only between 9am and 4pm have long gone. We need to reform our supporting services to ensure students can access college courses, wherever they live."

Mr Foster, Parliamentary aide to Lifelong Learning Minister Margaret Hodge, successfully campaigned two years ago for a late- night train to leave Worcester and call at Pershore, Evesham, Honeybourne and Moreton in Marsh to help students get home.

"Generally we support the idea of having a more flexible service," said Peter Roberts, Worcestershire County Council network co-ordinator.

"The council will be working closely with the Learning and Skills Council in future years and we'd like to discuss an increase in post-16 provisions for inclusion in future transport policy."

There are currently two different transport schemes in Worcester for students - the county council post-16 transport policy and an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) which is a means-tested service introduced by the Government.

Anyone who is on an EMA scheme, who lives within three miles of their education establishment, can make use of reduced transport costs in the evening and at weekends.

Anyone on the EMA scheme (who lives more than three miles away) or county council service still receive a subsidised bus rate but only up to 7pm on weekdays and not at the weekend.