A number of high cost bus services across Shropshire face the threat of Shirehall bosses withdrawing subsidies.

Shropshire Council is inviting public transport users to have their say on bus journeys which have a relatively high cost compared to the number of passengers carried.

The council says it is keen to enhance and improve local bus services for which it provides financial support.

But it also has to ensure that this represents good value for money, and that it has funding available to support these services.

• HOW MUCH SUBSIDY IS PAID
• To help monitor costs the council has identified services which have a high level of subsidy per passenger carried. These services (subsidy per passenger in brackets) are:
• 519 Newport-Shrewsbury, Saturday 5.55pm journey only (£9.73).
• 71a Oswestry-Four Crosses, Monday to Saturday service (£5.58).
• 323 Telford-Market Drayton, Monday to Friday service (£13.83).
• 113 Telford-Bridgnorth, Monday to Friday 7.20am journey only (£16.38).
• 221 Whitchurch-Market Drayton, Friday only service (£13.83).

People wishing to comment on the future of these transport services should do so in writing by January 4, 2010 to: High Cost Bus Service Consultation, Passenger Transport Policy, Shropshire Council Development Services, Freepost SY 522, Shrewsbury SY2 6BR.

The council claims that its passenger transport budget is currently under “considerable pressure” because of rising costs and the current financial climate.

To help monitor costs it has identified services which have a high level of subsidy per passenger carried.

The cost varies from £5.58 per passenger to as much as £16.38.

Martin Taylor-Smith, council cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: “In light of these high costs we are currently giving consideration to no longer subsidising these journeys.

“However, before making a final decision we are extensively consulting with councillors, town councils, local parish councils, passengers and our other stakeholders.”

The council says the responses will help it take a “balanced decision”.

It has also been claimed that the ShropshireLink rural bus service operated by the council is proving a “disaster” for Shirehall finances.

ShropshireLink is not restricted to a set route or timetable. Instead, the bus is able to travel flexibly within an area to meet the demands of users.

Senior transport executive Michael Skinner said that in six of nine areas in which the service operated, the average number of passengers was less than one a day.

According to Mr Skinner, who had obtained figures under a Freedom of Information request, the average passenger subsidy was £42.21 per person, far more than providing a taxi.

By Dave Morris