Telford bus service changes sparking backlash

Arriva Bus Midlands has announced changes to several routes as well as new bus numbers.

From July 19, the 481 bus that connects Newport to Stafford and Telford will become the number 5. The bus will also no longer directly go to Asda or Aldi in Donnington. Another change will mean the 33a service will no longer go to The Humbers due to a reduced number of people using the service. The bus firm says people's travel habits have changed over time and the changes reflected patronage and comments from users over a number of years.

But Councillor Tony Forrester, Newport Town Council's representative on the Telford & Wrekin bus users group, said: "I think it is going to be difficult for a lot of bus users particularly many who are pensioners.

It is going to be confusing for them, especially as for some reason they have changed all the numbers. They are changing the numbers 481 to number 5 – it could not get much more of a change than that.

"What annoys me is the attitude of Arriva, saying it is a management decision, it is going to happen in July and that is that. There does not seem to have been any consultation on it up until now, they have just decided to put it in place."

Borough councillor Peter Scott added: "I am disappointed to see that Arriva does not appear to have consulted with the residents that use these routes before making changes. I would advise anyone who wants to have their say about the changes to phone Arriva."

Keith Myatt, head of business development at Arriva Midlands, said: This is a network that has been in existence for quite a number of years and people's travel patterns change over a period of time. We have taken people's comments and suggestions over time and we are trying to implement those changes and we will work closely with Telford & Wrekin Council on delivering this new service.

The service 481 which runs between Stafford, Newport and Telford is being renumbered as the number 5 and the basic frequencies will be half hourly during the day time Monday to Saturday and every hour during weekday evenings and Sunday.

"We are changing the route slightly on the new number five in the Muxton and Donnington area and introducing a new service 5a between Muxton, Donnington and Telford. The 5 and 5a between them will offer a 10-minute frequency in the day time between Muxton, Donnington, Oakengates and Telford Town Centre, so there is a much higher frequency where there is a more densely populated area."

To have a say visit arrivabus.co.uk