New community bus service launches in Telford after Arriva route 77 change

As of Monday 3 September, changes will be made to the some of the Arriva bus services including service number 77 meaning that some new areas of the borough that did not have any bus service will now be covered by the route.

The changes made by Arriva to the number 77 bus route took into consideration the numbers of passengers using the existing service and some areas will no longer be served by the 77. Telford & Wrekin council is informing local people through working with its library service and Parish and Town councils.

There is some good news for local people who are affected by the changes and are unable to access the new route as they will be able to make use of a community bus provided by the Council. The community buses will provide a level of provision to these areas so that residents can still access key services on certain days of the week.

Using the council’s fleet of low floor accessible minibuses and by improving their existing routes, the new community buses can be provided to residents without the need for additional council expenditure.

Councillor Hilda Rhodes, cabinet member for Environment, Transport and Community Protection, said: “By utilising the council fleet we are able to achieve maximum efficiency mitigating any gaps and providing transport to those residents who still require a bus service.”

There are currently four community buses in Madeley, Dawley, Wombridge, and the Limekiln areas of the borough which operate in areas where people experience difficulty accessing conventional bus routes.

In order for people to travel on the council’s community buses they need to simply register by contacting 01952 384824. Trips are charged at £1.30 (single or return), but England concessionary bus passes can be used.

More information on the council’s community bus routes is available by contacting 01952 384824 or visit www.telford.gov.uk/communitybuses.