ShropshireLink goes from strength to strength

Shropshire Council’s ShropshireLink local bus service had its busiest month ever in March 2011 carrying the highest number of passengers since the service began just over two years ago. The nine operating areas carried over 6,500 passengers, which is over 400 more journeys than the previous month and nearly 500 more passengers than the same month last year.

This comes on the back of the service receiving national acclaim by being award a National Transport Award for being dedicated to access for all.

Shropshire Council is receiving regular visits from other local authorities around the country to understand how the scheme operates.

ShropshireLink was started in November 2008 as an effective alternative to costly fixed route rural bus services operating around the county with relatively small numbers of passengers being carried on large buses.

ShropshireLink operates on demand in all areas of rural Shropshire on a minimum of two days each week and uses small but accessible vehicles. The drivers are specifically trained to high levels of customer service and for driving economically and safely in all circumstances.

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

“Shropshire is a very rural area and therefore has specific and unique transport requirements to enable people to continue going about their daily lives. ShropshireLink is an innovative solution to meeting these requirements in a cost effective way which is more suited to the rural environment. It is great to see the service increasing in popularity with passenger numbers continuing to increase.”

ShropshireLink is a bookable local bus service available to all rural residents across Shropshire. Passengers need to register by calling the local rate number, where they will be guided through the very simple booking process by one of the experienced members of staff.

Alternatively, passengers can register by following the links from shropshire.gov.uk/traveltransport.nsf.

For further information and to book your first free trip on the ShropshireLink please call 0345 678 9068.