New X81 bus service to improve connections between Powys and Shropshire

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

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

Powys County Council said the new service will connect communities along the route, restore bus services to Clun and give people easier access to local shops and amenities.

Residents in Powys will be able to access onward connections including the 533 to Shrewsbury and rail services to Manchester and Cardiff from Craven Arms.

The X81 will also provide students in Sarn, Montgomery, Chirbury and Churchstoke with a more affordable service to and from Bishop’s Castle Community College.

Councillor Jackie Charlton, 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.”

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 pleased that we’ve been able to work with Powys County Council to provide this important service.”

View all bus routes in Powys at https://en.powys.gov.uk/localbuses.