NEWSROOM

Building on successful outcomes of the previous survey, seven new council-run bus routes were funded, carrying more than 350,000  journeys since 2022 at a cost to passengers of £2 per adult single fare and £1 per child (Classed as under 19).  

Despite government announcements raising the fare cap to £3, Telford & Wrekin Council has committed to maintain the £2 single ticket.

The survey will run throughout the remainder of November and close on Monday, December 9, allowing residents an opportunity to share their thoughts on existing services and help shape changes going forward.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, (Lab) cabinet member for the economy said: “The last survey provided a valuable insight into what bus travel looks like for people on a day-to-day basis and what their experiences are.

“We used this feedback to make some big changes, plugging gaps in provision and making sure people could access places of work and education as well as travel from rural areas and access the hospital.

“We’d like to thank those people who took part and once again ask more residents to help us improve the network wherever we can within budgets.”

Improvements from the previous survey included the introduction of the 100, also known as the ‘work express’ which now helps people living in Brookside, Sutton Hill, Madeley and Woodside, get to work in Stafford Park, Halesfield and Hortonwood, Wellington or access the Princess Royal Hospital as well as providing a direct bus to New Road Academy from the South of Telford.

Schools and colleges between Madeley and Wellington as residents of Madeley, Dawley, Lawley, Arleston and Wellington have been supported by the 101 which also links people to the Princess Royal Hospital.

Admaston, Arleston, Dothill, Hadley, Ketley Bank, and Lawley areas are covered by the circular 99 services (A&C) which also include stops at Wellington, Oakengates and Telford Town Centre as well as Princess Royal Hospital.

While new rural routes now cover the schools and market towns of Wellington and Newport including Edgmond, High Ercall, Lilleshall, and Tibberton, supported by the 102/3 services.

The Bus Services Act 2017 currently prohibits local authorities from establishing their own companies, but the new Government has made new announcements about authorities having more control in the future and a announced £1bn funding boost for buses in local areas.

Councillor Vickers added: “We look forward to welcoming the detail on the funding announcement and exploring opportunities.”

The survey will run throughout the remainder of November and close on Friday, December 6, and can be completed here https://online1.snapsurveys.com/8922e0

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