All aboard: bus services mark 800,000 passenger journeys
Telford & Wrekin Council’s bus services have reached a new milestone, with more than 800,000 passenger journeys recorded since the routes were introduced in 2022.
Passenger numbers are higher compared to last year, showing growing demand and continued confidence in the service from residents, workers and visitors. An update on the service was shared with councillors at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday (22 January).
The bus services offer reliable and affordable travel across the borough with fares capped at £2 per journey and £1 for children, making them one of the lowest single fares in the UK.
Over the past two years, the bus fleet has been refreshed with new colours and clear branding to make services easier to recognise. These improvements reflect the Council’s ongoing commitment to listening to residents and acting on their feedback. Timetables have also been improved, with earlier, later and weekend journeys added, including a new Saturday service, giving people more flexibility when travelling.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Economy & Transport, said:
“It’s great to see how far these services have come in such a short time. Our focus has always been on building a network people can rely on every day, with simple, affordable fares and routes that meet local needs. We remain committed to keeping fares capped at £2 so people can continue to trave affordably”
“The improvements we’ve made over the last four years are clearly making a difference, and we’ll keep investing in routes, timetables and travel information so getting around the Borough becomes easier for residents, workers and visitors”.
Since launching the council-run routes in 2022, more than 800,000 journeys have been made. Passenger numbers continue to rise and satisfaction levels with the Council’s distinctive red bus routes do too with further improvements planned. With recent upgrades and rising usage, the council aims to reach 1 million journeys during 2026.
Council-operated routes
The six Council-operated routes include the 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104:
- Express 100 links major industrial estates, Wellington, and the Princess Royal Hospital, providing direct transport for workers and pupils attending Telford Priory School — including after-school sessions.
- 101 supports students travelling to Charlton, Ercall Wood, Telford Langley, Telford College, and Lawley Academy, while also connecting Madeley, Dawley, and Lawley with Wellington and the hospital.
- Routes 102 to 104 extend coverage into the rural north of Telford and Wrekin, ensuring residents in smaller villages can reach essential destinations including the Princess Royal Hospital, Newport and Wellington interchanges, and onward travel connections.
- Route 99 serves Admaston, Dothill, Hadley, Ketley Bank, Malinslee, Overdale, Telford Town Centre, and Wellington.
The travel Telford network also includes an on-demand bus service, offering flexible pick-up and drop-off options for both residents and visitors.
For journey planning, Citymapper is the official transport app for Telford and Wrekin. It’s free to download and fully tailored to the borough, the easiest way to plan your journey. Download now.
Telford and Wrekin Council remain committed to investing in well-used and valued frontline services, providing free council car parking and £2 bus fares while continuing to maintain the lowest Council Tax in the Midlands.
To keep up to date with the latest announcements, sign up here.
For full timetable details, visit www.telford.gov.uk/TFbus