Prospective students are already taking advantage of moves by the University of Worcester to reduce the barriers that may prevent them from attending Open Days.
The University has been working with West Midlands Trains and First Bus to pilot free and reduced cost travel to help people get to and from the University’s Open Days running September to December.
The University of Worcester’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Ross Renton, said: “Going to university is such a positive, transformational experience for the good, when the right course and university is selected. At the University of Worcester we know how important Open Days are for prospective students. It is a chance to ask questions, speak to lecturers and to get a feel for whether it is the place for them.
“We are committed to the concept of inclusion and the belief that everyone has a fundamental right to education and the opportunity to make the very best of their own potential. We therefore hope that these steps will help towards that goal, making travel costs for those travelling to University of Worcester Open Days less prohibitive, enabling them to see for themselves what we have to offer.”
So far more than 160 people have signed up to the travel scheme, most of whom are planning to attend the upcoming Open Day on Sunday, September 8.
Prospective students can get one free train pass (valid on West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway trains) or up to two bus tickets with a 25 per cent reduction (valid on First Bus Worcestershire County or Network day tickets) to attend.
The railway pass issued can be used for both the prospective student’s outbound and return journeys, but must be requested at least five days before the event so the ticket can be posted. People with carers can request an extra travel ticket.
For those using the bus travel offer, the University will issue a discount code to visitors who have requested it in the days leading up to the Open Day, which they can use to purchase a day ticket on the First Bus app.
These measures are in addition to a scheme that the University has been running this year with West Midlands Railway, which gives University of Worcester students six free journeys on their network to attend interviews, along with six months’ discounted travel.
The University has also trialled a coach scheme with Colleges in the region, including Hereford, Dudley and Wolverhampton, which transports prospective students and their families to and from Worcester Open Days free of charge.
Jon Harris, integration and accessibility manager at West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, said: “We are committed to making rail travel sustainable and accessible for all our passengers. Under our successful Way to Work scheme we offer free travel to job interviews, work experience and training courses for job seekers, new university and college graduates and those about to begin apprenticeships.
“Our universities are a vital part of our communities and we are pleased to partner with the University of Worcester in piloting free travel on our services for prospective students attending their open days and will work with partners to monitor its success."
Matthew Parker, operations manager at First Worcester said; "We know important it is for students to get around Worcester once they’ve started studying at the University, but it’s just as important that everyone has the chance to visit lots of different establishments prior to finding one that they choose to attend. We’re delighted to assist the University in increasing access to their open days providing a frequent bus service to the site”.
“Worcester has excellent bus links, with frequent connections to the university that accommodates travel by students, tutors and visitors 7 days a week. It is important for us to know that all new attendees and visitors are fully aware of the service provided and that they can feel safe and confident to travel by bus around the city using an affordable mode of transport.”