NEWSROOM

Cabinet has today (16 July) backed continued investment in bus services across Telford and Wrekin after welcoming the success of Travel Telford. 

Over the last two years, the Council-run bus service has changed the way many people travel across the borough. New services have been introduced, fares have remained among the lowest in the country, more communities have been connected and planning a journey is now easier than ever.

Earlier this year, Telford & Wrekin Council expanded its £2 adult fare and £1 fare for under-19s to Arriva services, becoming the first council in the Midlands to extend its flat fare rate offer across more services marking a great step in its commitment to protect, care and invest. Passengers can now enjoy simple, affordable fares across more bus journeys, helping people save money while making the bus a realistic choice for everyday travel.

The service now includes six services – 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104 – linking communities with schools, colleges, employment, Princess Royal Hospital, railway stations, shopping centres and town centres.

Since launching in 2022, more than one million passenger journeys have been made across the six services, which is a testament to the success and need for these services and a popular choice for people travelling to education, employment, healthcare appointments and shopping hubs across the borough.

The 100 Work Express has become one of the standout services, linking Sutton Hill, Brookside and Woodside with Hortonwood, Stafford Park and Halesfield. Running from early morning until late at night, seven days a week, it has made it easier for shift workers and commuters to get to and from work.

The On-demand service has also expanded, giving passengers another option where there are limited bus services. The bookable service now covers Telford College, Longdon-on-Tern, Ironbridge, Horsehay and Lightmoor connecting residents to key destinations like Telford Central Station, the Princess Royal Hospital and Madeley

Residents have also helped shape many of the improvements already introduced. Routes have been reviewed, timetables updated and extra journeys added after listening to feedback from the people who use the services every day. Since the latest changes were introduced last summer, passenger numbers have increased by more than 21 per cent, showing growing demand and continued confidence in the service from residents, workers and visitors.

More than 90 new and improved bus shelters have also been installed across the borough, while real-time passenger information and the Citymapper app has also made journey planning simpler, bringing together live bus information alongside walking, cycling and rail routes in one place.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport & Digital Connectivity, said:

“It’s great to see how far these services have come. We are proud of the progress we’ve made building a well-connected, efficient transport system that meets the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike and the difference it’s making for passengers every day.

“We’ve introduced new services, kept fares low, expanded Travel Telford On Demand, improved bus stops and made it easier for people to plan their journeys. We’ve listened to residents every step of the way and that feedback has helped shape the improvements we’ve made.

“Today’s decision at Cabinet is another step towards services having more positive impacts on thousands of residents, we will keep investing in better bus services, giving passengers more choice and making it even easier for people to travel across the Borough.”

The council will continue investing in better bus services, building on the improvements already made across the borough.

Full details of the council’s timetables and services are available here: www.telford.gov.uk/busservices.