NEWSROOM

Delivered through its in-house transport team, Travel Telford, the changes aim to improve reliability, accessibility, and route coverage across the borough.

Key enhancements include revised timetables for services 102 and 103, which will now operate every two hours and introduce Saturday journeys for the first time. These adjustments respond to passenger concerns around limited weekend service and infrequent bus times, with feedback helping to shape more responsive local transport provision.

The redefined services are in response to calls from passengers who highlighted limited weekend availability and infrequent timetables as key barriers to using public transport.

These routes serve vital community links, with Route 102 connecting Newport, Church Aston, Lilleshall, Muxton, Donnington, the Princess Royal Hospital, and Wellington - offering lifelines for residents needing access to healthcare, education, and employment.

Engagement with passengers revealed that while the 102 is valued - particularly for school and hospital access - its timetable and route design were falling short.

Key concerns included:

• Irregular service and lack of evening or Saturday buses
• Overcrowding during school runs, with students often left behind
• Confusion over stop locations and poor signage in places like Newport High Street

Many residents described the route as underused outside school hours, with some suggesting it be restructured or better integrated with other services. The Council has acted on this intelligence, from Monday, 21 July:

• The 102 and 103 services will operate every two hours
• A new Saturday service will be introduced on both routes
• Bus service 105 has been integrated into the 103 timetable - ensuring continuity, not cuts
• Timetable adjustments will improve reliability and better serve key destinations
• Additional signage and clearer information will be rolled out to support passengers

These changes are part of a wider effort to strengthen rural connectivity and ensure council-run services are delivering value for money and real benefit to local communities. As with other Travel Telford services, the 102 and 103 will also receive a refreshed appearance as part of routine maintenance and contract renewal. This is a practical update, designed to make council-operated buses easier to identify and more consistent across the network.

The Council continues to offer one the lowest single fares in the UK, with a flat rate of just £2 per journey and it’s essential customer can differentiate between services.

Telford & Wrekin Council is one of the few councils in the country that operates its own bus - investing to keep communities connected. While the Council continues to seek external funding and invest directly where possible, it remains a difficult balancing act.

The new timetables come into effect from Monday, 21 July and passengers may also notice a mix of vehicle appearances until the recognisable designs are completed and rolled out in August.

Don’t forget, Citymapper is the official transport app for Telford & Wrekin - and it’s completely free to use. Whether travelling to work, visiting the shops, or exploring the borough, the app offers a smarter way to plan your journey.

Users can view real-time bus and train arrivals, plan routes that combine walking, cycling, and public transport, and follow step-by-step directions with ease. Already trusted by millions across the UK, the app is now fully tailored to Telford & Wrekin. Download today at: www.telford.gov.uk/citymapper

Further announcements will follow and can be found on the website, along with full timetable details, visit: www.telford.gov.uk/TFbus

Sign up today to keep up to date with Telford & Wrekin Council’s bus services.