Local bus and railway upgrades in the spotlight
Upgrades to local bus and train services have been in the spotlight this week with a Shropshire MP urging more bus routes, late night services, and also reductions in railway travel time.
Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley is seeking improvements to both bus and train services “for Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and beyond” and described latest discussions as “extremely encouraging.”
“I’ve just had two very fruitful and extremely encouraging meetings - first with the Arriva bus company, then with rail manufacturing and modernisation company, Alstom Services,” said Mrs Buckley.
“I was invited to visit the Arriva Bus Depot in Harlescott where I met with Richard Emery, Head of Commercial – West Midlands. Richard has responsibility for the bus network in Shrewsbury and Shropshire. Also there was the company’s Area Director, Ryan Dunne.
“It was useful to be able to look at the different aspects of local bus services. “I was pleased to hear that 68% of passengers have returned since the Covid pandemic, and this is continuing to grow, but I was also keen to push for more Shrewsbury services such as late night buses on Fridays and Saturdays, buses for the workers at Battlefield Business Park and also support for the Park and Ride. They were keen to hear my ideas and I’m hopeful of a positive outcome.”
At a later meeting it was railway services and the future potential of Shrewsbury Railway Station on the agenda. “One of the items discussed was a new rail company that should cut travel times.”
“I met with Darren Horley, the Mobilisation Director for Alstom Services, at Shrewsbury Railway Station. “We discussed their development of a new train company – the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) – designed to not only reduce travel time between Wales, Shropshire, the Midlands and London, but also to significantly enhance the passenger experience. “We also discussed the redevelopment of Shrewsbury’s Riverside complex and the possibility of further investment into the railway station and surrounding areas to help attract tourism and support Shrewsbury’s local businesses.
“I think the overall picture is one of improving services for Shrewsbury, Shropshire and beyond.”
