Montgomery to Shrewsbury bus service saved

Tanat Valley Coaches has won the tender issued by Shropshire County Council to operate the 558 bus service from Montgomery to Shrewsbury.

Open State Ltd who previously operated the service, announced they were to cancel the service due to rising fuel costs.

The bus service will run Monday to Saturday with a new timetable. Shropshire County Council has also added an additional journey from Shrewsbury at 6pm providing passengers with a later service. It is hoped that this extra journey will encourage more people who work in Shrewsbury to use public transport.

Tanat Valley Coaches will be providing low floor buses for the route, which will enable disabled people, people with pushchairs and passengers who are less mobile to easily board the bus.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and environment, said: “We are pleased that a new operator has been found for this rural service. We are always looking for the best way to connect rural communities and to keep Shropshire moving.

“It is hoped that this new timetable will encourage more people to use public transport, which will help to protect the environment.

Peter Phillips, Shropshire County Councillor for Bishop’s Castle, said: “We are delighted that a new operator has been found for this essential bus service.

“We consulted with Councillor Heather Kidd and local residents who were concerned that this bus route, which connects so many rural areas, could be cancelled. We are pleased that Shropshire County Council has listened to their concerns and has been able to allocate funding.”

23 July 2008