Still time to have a say about local bus services

Shropshire’s bus users are encouraged to have their say about Shropshire Council’s draft bus strategy before a public consultation ends on 21 March.

So far more than 650 completed questionnaires, and many more comments, have been received from local people and other stakeholders. However, there is still time for people to make their views known.

Shropshire Council is facing considerable financial pressures on its budget for subsidised local bus services and concessionary travel. As some services are subsided up to £21 per passenger journey, the council needs to make some tough decisions in order to protect key bus services.

The draft strategy proposes a number of principles and priorities on which the local bus network could be provided over the next five years, and people’s views are needed to help shape the final strategy.

The full draft strategy and a summary are available to be viewed now at www.shropshire.gov.uk/transportconsultation . Comments can be made by calling 01743 253013, sending an email to passtrans@shropshire.gov.uk, or completing an online questionnaire.

A series of consultation events were held around the county from 19 January to 3 March.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and IT, said:

“We’ve had a great response to the consultation so far and I thank everyone who has looked at the draft strategy and let us have their comments. However, we want to hear from as many people as possible so I urge anyone who hasn’t responded to do so before 21 March.

“Continuing to provide these essential bus services, especially for those more vulnerable and living in rural areas, and save money is a tough challenge. But, with help from local people and businesses we hope to continue to deliver excellent services which are fit for the future.”

Comments from the consultation process will be considered in the final Bus Strategy which will be submitted to Cabinet in April 2011.