Right route ahead for rural bus services
Telford and Wrekin Council’s transport team was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews at an open event for new rural bus services in Newport yesterday. (Tuesday, 28 February).
Passengers were offered free transport for two days on new council-funded services introduced to provide public transport in the northern villages of Telford and Wrekin, with 142 passengers taking up the offer on the first two days.
The services, devised by direct feedback from a bus survey held in 2021 from communities in the area, will operate five days a week and link passengers with schools in Newport, the north of the borough and access to the Princess Royal Hospital and Wellington market.
There are now more bus routes and stops in rural areas than ever before catered for by the 102, 103, 104 & 105 buses which replace the rigid, pre-bookable service known as the ‘Wrekin Rider’ which served an average of ten passengers a week. Bus passes will also be honoured on the public services.
Angela, a Waters-Upton resident said: “It’s going to be very good because we been isolated in wat for quite a long time now – four or five years, I’ve seen quite a few people catch it and it only started yesterday. You can get from Newport through the villages to wellington and there’s quite a few busses a day.”
Extra steps have been taken in areas where people cannot access the service with including a door-to-bus stop option and a dial-a-ride service for people with mobility issues.
The council believes the buses have the potential to attract 1000’s of passengers from north each month and will achieve the same success as the Express 100 service – another council-funded service - which carried 2,900 passengers in its first month (January 2023) alone.
Councillor Richard Overton, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, enforcement, and transport, said: “The turnout today is just what we were hoping for with people coming forward with feedback and suggestions which our team will take away.
“This service isn’t set in stone, so we are actively looking for ways to make it better and our team is open to suggestions.
“People must remember, we are working to provide the best fit within a budget and endeavour to do all we can to ensure people are not isolated. The previous service used to run once a week and pick up around 10 passengers, the services now offer a two hourly service five days a week and supports pupils getting to school too.
“It’s in everyone’s interest to work together and create a rural transport solution that’s sustainable for the future.”
The council will continue to work with residents and have asked that feedback and suggestions be sent via email to travelassistance@telford.gov.uk or by calling 01952 384545.
The timetables are available online at www.telford.gov.uk/busservices and in print from libraries and parish councils.
