Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being used by Worcestershire County Council to support the processing of bus pass applications.

According to the council, AI is being used to speed up administrative tasks such as the checking of documents attached to concessionary bus pass applications.

It serves as a means of flagging incorrect photographs, dates of birth, or proof of address documents – with the application being met with human oversight before a final decision is made.

The Buss Pass AI Agent saw almost 2,500 applications processed in the first eight months of its introduction, during which nearly 7,500 uploaded documents were also checked using the technology.

Hundreds of problems that had the potential to delay applications were detected by the system, which allowed for issues to be addressed earlier and lowered the need for residents to make repeated contact with the council.

However, the local authority has emphasised that the technology is being implemented with the support of ‘strong governance, appropriate safeguards and ongoing human involvement’.

Cllr Adam Kent, Deputy Leader of Worcestershire County Council and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Corporate Services, said: ‘Artificial intelligence is helping us make our services more efficient, reducing unnecessary administration and allowing our staff to spend more time focusing on the people who need our support.

‘We will be accelerating our use of to improve the experience for residents, speed up processes and deliver better value for taxpayers. We're focused on using AI where it can solve real challenges and make a practical difference, helping us modernise services while maintaining the high standards residents rightly expect.’