New X81 bus service to improve connections between Shropshire and mid Powys

A new bus service between Newtown and Craven Arms – via Montgomery, Churchstoke, Chirbury, Clun and Bishop’s Castle – will begin operating on Monday 2 November [2026].

The new X81 service is a collaboration between Shropshire Council and Powys County Council and will be operated by Tanat Valley Coaches. It will operate six days a week, with four journeys a day in each direction.

The new service will connect the towns on its route, giving people access to local shops and amenities, and provide students in Montgomery, Chirbury and Churchstoke with a service to and from Bishop’s Castle Community College.

It will also complement and link to the 533 Bishop’s Castle to Shrewsbury bus service, as well as linking to Newtown and Craven Arms railway stations for onwards travel.

Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council and councillor for Chirbury and Worthen, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome this vital new bus service which is great news for south Shropshire. This will be the first time in living memory that Chirbury will be on a route to Bishop’s Castle, and will be the most regular bus service that Clun has had for decades.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to work with Powys County Council to provide this important service.

“It will also be the third new bus service that Shropshire Council has introduced in 2026, showing our commitment to improving public transport for people across the county despite the financial challenges the council faces.”

Jackie Charlton, Powys County Council’s Cabinet member for a Greener Powys, said:

“It’s fantastic news that the new X81 will open doors for residents living in villages east of Newtown and the Vale of Kerry to access key destinations like Shrewsbury, Manchester and Cardiff using public transport.

“This new service is a great example of how working together across the border can improve public transport links and create more journey options for residents and visitors.”

The new Three Castles service between Bishop’s Castle and Ludlow – operated by Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride – will continue to operate, providing more options for residents and visitors in southwest Shropshire.