Issue - meetings

To receive an update on Better Buses in Telford & Wrekin.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the continued improvements in bus travel and connectivity across Telford and Wrekin over the last two years be noted as follows:

·       The provision of six new bus routes, that have now completed 1million passenger trips;

·       £2 fare cap across the borough (£1 for under 19’s) as part of the Council’s wider commitment to provide cost of living support to our residents;

·       Infrastructure improvements including new bus shelters;

·       Improved journey experience through development of the ‘Citymapper’ app;

·       Introduction and expansion of the Travel Telford ‘On Demand’ bus network; and

·       The delivery of two electric buses.

b)    the continued investment in our bus network made possible by recent government funding, Council investment and user of developer funding to bring forward improvements be noted;

c)    delegated authority be granted to the Director: Neighbourhood & Enforcement Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport & Digital Connectivity to take necessary steps to continue to evolve the bus network in Telford and Wrekin. In doing so, ensure the evolution continues to be founded on resident and user feedback to ensure affordable, reliable and well connected bus services are bought forward; and

d)    delegated authority be granted to the Director: Policy & Governance to execute any legal documentation required to facilitate and implement the recommendations within this report.

The Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport & Digital Connectivity presented an update on the Better Buses programme.

The report outlined the significant improvements made to bus services across the Borough since 2022, including the introduction of six Travel Telford routes which had collectively carried more than one million passenger journeys. Passenger numbers had continued to grow, with a 21% increase in patronage since the network was refreshed in 2025.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the Council's commitment to affordable transport through the continuation and extension of the £2 adult and £1 under-19 fare cap across all bus services beginning and ending within the Borough. Additional investment had included new bus shelters, real-time passenger information, expansion of the Citymapper journey planning app, improvements to safety measures and the introduction of on-demand transport services.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and recognised the positive impact that affordable and reliable public transport was having across the Borough. Members highlighted the role of improved bus services in supporting employment, education, healthcare access and tourism whilst helping to tackle social isolation, reduce transport costs and support environmental objectives.

Members also welcomed the success of the Work Express service and recognised the value of affordable fares in improving access to employment, education and essential services, particularly for residents without access to private transport. The continued investment in both urban and rural routes, together with the introduction of innovative services such as on-demand transport, was particularly welcomed. Members also commended improvements to transport links serving tourism destinations, including the Ironbridge Gorge and recognised the benefits of the park and ride and on-demand transport provision for both residents and visitors.

The Leader of the Conservative Group welcomed the report and noted that the Bus Service Improvement Plan had delivered a range of positive outcomes including improved routes, affordable fares and better infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of securing future funding once developer contributions came to an end.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the report and particularly praised the restoration of services to Shawbirch, noting the importance of bus services to residents on lower incomes and those without access to private transport.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport & Digital Connectivity thanked Members for their comments and reiterated the Council's commitment to further investment in bus services and public transport connectivity.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the continued improvements in bus travel and connectivity across Telford and Wrekin over the last two years be noted as follows:

·         The provision of six new bus routes, that have now completed 1million passenger trips;

·         £2 fare cap across the borough (£1 for under 19’s) as part of the Council’s wider commitment to provide cost of living support to our residents;

·         Infrastructure improvements including new bus shelters;

·         Improved journey experience through development of the ‘Citymapper’ app;

·         Introduction and expansion of the Travel Telford ‘On Demand’ bus network; and

·         The delivery of two electric buses.

b)   the continued investment in our bus network made possible by recent government funding, Council investment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13