Supported bus services reviewed ahead of 2026 retendering programme
A number of local bus services supported by Shropshire Council are currently being reviewed as part of the council’s 2026 retendering programme, with changes due to be implemented later this year.
The programme includes services operating across Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Wem and Ellesmere, as well as a range of inter urban routes and Park & Ride services. A full list of services included within the programme is set out below.
Contracts run for five years, and a number of services are re-tendered and reviewed each year.
The review is taking place in the context of reduced Government funding for local bus services, alongside increasing operating costs across the transport sector. This means difficult decisions are required to ensure that available funding is used as effectively as possible.
Rob Wilson, Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said
“All services whose contract is set to end this year have been considered in full by officers and Cabinet members, taking into account usage, future cost, connectivity and the role each route plays in supporting your local community.
“We’re having to deal with increasing costs alongside reduced funding, which means we must work harder to deliver the best possible transport network with the resources available. Our aim is to protect and improve as many services as we can across the county, but this does leave us with difficult choices.”
Shropshire Council will work closely with local councillors and town and parish councils throughout the process. Engagement on emerging proposals is planned for June 2026.
Further information on specific service changes will be made available from July 2026, once procurement processes have been completed and contracts have been finalised.
Services included within the 2026 retendering programme are:
- Inter urban services: 64, 437, 501, 553, 558
- Shrewsbury services: 2, 3A, 12, 20, 23, 26, 37
- Ludlow services: 701, 702, 722
- Wem / Ellesmere services: 201, 208
- Market Drayton service: 301
- Shrewsbury Park & Ride service: Oxon, Harlescott and Meole Brace
A full list of bus services operating in Shropshire, including whether each service is council contracted or commercially operated, can be found here.
Supporting your local bus services
Small changes in how we travel can make a big difference to keeping services running across Shropshire.
Use your bus where you can
The more people who choose to travel by bus, the stronger and more sustainable services become. Increased use helps ensure routes remain viable and continue to serve local communities.
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Many residents are eligible for a concessionary bus pass, providing free travel across the network. This can make a real difference to the cost of travel and help more people stay connected. Find out more and apply here.
