Community transport could replace withdrawn Shropshire bus service
Rising costs lead to end of 745 bus route
The Shropshire Council-supported 745 bus service is set to end in September, prompting discussions on alternative community transport solutions.
Connecting Pontesbury, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Craven Arms, and Ludlow, the bus currently operates on Mondays and Fridays.
Its cessation, attributed to rising operating costs, will impact rural areas like Clun, which relies heavily on the service.
Community Impact
The decision is challenging for residents like Lou Hambley, who uses the service to commute to Ludlow for shopping: “Without that, I don’t know what I’m going to do, I will have to move."
Local council member Rob Wilson stressed the difficulty in withdrawing the service due to costs exceeding £60 per passenger per journey.
Efforts to save the bus continue, with petition signs appearing in Clun.
Deborah Fox emphasised the reliance on the service: “It’s a rural bus, people rely on it. It will have a huge impact if it’s not here."
Potential Solutions
Councillor Ruth Houghton revealed plans for a community transport alternative with employed drivers, poised to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Departing from Bishop’s Castle around 9am, this service aims to offer more passenger time in Ludlow and recognises bus passes and the £3 fare cap.
Details on scheduling and operation remain forthcoming, but optimistically point towards an improved commuting solution for affected residents.