On-demand bus service expands to include more areas of Shrewsbury
The Sigma 7 electric bus used for the service
Shropshire Council’s new on-demand bus service will be further expanded from 31 January 2025 – with new users being offered a £5 credit when they register.
Shropshire Connect On-Demand was launched in December 2023, initially in two zones, and with plans in place to expand the service on a zone-by-zone basis.
Now ‘Zone 2’ is being expanded to include areas of Weir Hill (new residential development), Shrewsbury Business Park, Kingston Drive, and Love2Stay providing communities with more options for travel in and out of Shrewsbury town centre.
At the same time St Mary’s Street will be added to the list of Connect On-Demand stops within the town centre, for use by customers in both zones 1 and 2. Stops already available in the town centre are the Bus station, Railway station, Barker Street, High Street and The Abbey.
To celebrate this expansion, new users who register for the service in January and February 2025 will automatically receive a £5.00 credit added to their account.
Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public transport, said:
“Since its launch just over a year ago the Connect On-Demand service has gone from strength-to-strength.
“The feedback provided has been incredibly valuable and we are really pleased with the positive response from the local community and service users.
“I’m delighted that we can now expand the service further and I encourage people in these new areas to make use of the service, and take advantage of the special introductory offer.”
Rosemary Dartnall, Shropshire Councillor for Bayston Hill, Column and Sutton, said:
“The further extension of the Connect on-Demand bus service is great news for residents in Weir Hill and Kingston Drive, who currently have no bus services. Last summer Sutton Farm, The Farthings and Springfield Estate were successfully added to Zone Two, connecting residents to various town centre locations, Marden Medical Practice and Meole Brace shopping. With this further expansion, Shrewsbury Business Park on Wenlock Road, and Love-to-Stay at Emstrey will become available for all Zone Two passengers.
“I urge residents to sign-up now to take advantage of the current offer and start using the service – you’ll soon discover why Connect on-Demand is so popular with existing passengers.”
To introduce the expanded service, answer any questions or sign people up to the service, a series of roadshows are being held, as below:
- Kingston Drive: Opposite number 9 Salcombe Drive, Saturday 25 January, 1.30pm to 2.15pm
- Weir Hill: Pankhurst Way, near the junction for Liddle Close, Saturday 25 January, 2.45pm to 3.30pm
- Shrewsbury Business Park: Greggs / Co-op car park, Thursday 23 January, 12.15pm to 1pm
Meanwhile, with the recent increase in the UK Government fare cap, prices for the Connect On-Demand service will increase from 31 January, but remain below the £3.00 fare cap.
- Standard fare: £2.50
- Young person fare (Ages 6-19): £2.00
- Child under 5: Free (No changes made)
- Concessionary travel pass holder: Free (Monday to Friday after 9:30am, All day Saturdays) (No changes made)
- Additional passengers: £1.00 (No changes made)
For customers using the app to make bookings, there is a saver ticket of £17.50 for £20.00 worth of credit on their account.
The Connect On-Demand service currently operates Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 6.30pm excluding bank holidays.
People can book a journey using the Connect On-demand app – or by phone by calling 0345 678 9013 between 10am and 2pm, Mondays to Fridays. They can choose where they wish to be picked up, and when, and where they want to be dropped off, buy using the designated specified stops.
For more information about the Connect On-Demand service and how to register, please visit Connect on Demand | Shropshire Council
