A NEW bus timetable introduced this week by First Worcester promises faster and more direct journeys linking Malvern and Worcester.

The X43 service between Malvern Vale and Worcester will run direct, not serving Barnards Green, Malvern Retail Park or St Johns.

The X44 service will also be faster during peak hours, as the service will run via Barnards Green and run direct via Bromwich Road to Worcester, not serving Malvern Retail Park or St Johns.

The 44 bus will run every 15 minutes between Worcester and Great Malvern, providing a link with Barnards Green and the Malvern retail park.

And new journeys have also been introduced on Saturdays between Worcester city centre and Worcester Royal Hospital via County Hall.

The changes are being introduced to provide faster journeys in the mornings and late afternoons when people want to travel direct between Worcester and Malvern.

Other popular links within the Malverns such as Barnards Green and Malvern Retail Park will retain a frequent service, providing links to all the local facilities and attractions in the area.

Sarah East, head of operations for First Worcester, said: "I am pleased to be announcing these improvements along the corridor between Worcester and the Malverns and I’m sure the new faster journeys that will run at peak times will be well received.

“We have also linked up the places people want to travel to within the local area, providing a frequent and attractive option for travel using the bus over other modes of transport, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the area.”