Council introduces replacement bus services

Shropshire County Council is set to replace the majority of subsidised local bus services, following the recent closure of the Whittles Highley bus depot.

This has been achieved, despite having to work within current budgetary restrictions and with a very limited number of alternative local operators.

The two main services which will be affected by this closure are the 297, Bridgnorth to Kidderminster service and the 113, Bridgnorth to Telford service.

Following considerable negotiations by the County Council, these services will be replaced from Monday 2 May. The council also confirm that all school journeys will be retained, however with new operators.

Jonathan Hayes, Shropshire County Council’s principal officer for passenger transport, said: “It has been extremely important for us to work quickly and in conjunction with our partners to replace as many of these much needed services as possible for local people.

“Whilst every attempt has been made to provide people with the same service, we were unable to replace some journeys on the 113 Bridgnorth to Telford although we are able to advise on alternative service 9/39/99 Bridgnorth to Telford. We apologise for this, however we have been able, as much as possible to keep the key services in place.”

In line with the county’s sustainable public transport policy, the council have also looked to offer these alternatives to users, where a close equivalent journey is still available on another service. This will ensure that the inefficient use of vehicles/services in rural areas, and the resulting detrimental environmental impacts are minimised, whilst maintaining an acceptable level of service to users.

For these revised timetables, people should contact Shropshire County Council’s Passenger Transport Services on 01743 253036.

18 April 2008