Nine Shropshire bus services set for review as contracts near end

Residents across Shropshire are being invited to share their views on council-supported bus services ahead of a review and retendering process in 2027.

Shropshire Council is seeking feedback on several bus services that are approaching the end of their existing contracts.

Nine groups of services are included, covering routes in and around Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch and Ludlow.

The local authority has clarified that no decisions have yet been made about any changes to bus services, and said that the survey forms part of the early stages of that process.

Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said: “Local bus services are a lifeline for many people across Shropshire, particularly in our rural communities.

“Before we begin the formal retendering process for these services, we want to hear directly from the people who use them, rely on them, or would like to use them in the future.

“This survey is about listening to and understanding local needs. No decisions have been made about any changes to the services included, but the feedback we receive will help us better understand what matters most to residents as we develop future contract specifications.

“We know that budgets remain under pressure and that we must make the best possible use of the funding available. By taking part in the survey, residents can help us ensure that future services continue to meet the needs of communities across Shropshire.”

The services are:

• Oswestry town services: 400, 402, 403 and 404
• Oswestry school service: 405
• Oswestry town service: 406
• Knighton to Ludlow: 738 and 740
• Oswestry to Baschurch to Shrewsbury: 576
• Shrewsbury town service (Bus Station to Reabrook): 21
• Whitchurch town service: 205
• Four Crosses to Oswestry: 71
• Cefn-y-Blodwel to Oswestry: 54

The survey is now open for comment and closes on Friday, December 11. To find out more and take part, visit the Shropshire Council website.