Changes to Shrewsbury's park and ride 'will kill trade'

The service is being managed by Arriva under a five-year contract with Shropshire Council which started on November 1.

Although all three park and ride sites at Meole Brace, Harlescott and Oxon have been retained, there will be fewer buses running, with one every 20 minutes instead of "up to every 10 minutes" and "up to every 15 minutes" as previously.

Buses also stop running at 6.20pm – a move that has been criticised for its potential effect on people wishing to take part in late night shopping in the run up to Christmas.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said the timetable had been changed because it was "confusing" for customers and had proved "logistically challenging for the operator". He said: "Users will see an improved service, but no change to fares.

"The intention to run to advertised and set 20-minute departures throughout the day in the future will give much greater certainty on travel times for users, and will also give a more efficient and therefore financially sustainable service."

He added: "Park and Ride is a really important service for Shrewsbury, offering an affordable alternative to on and off street parking within the town, and helping to reduce congestion around Shrewsbury's historic streets."

However, David Forshaw, of Gemstone Jewellery at Castle Street, said the changes would damage trade in the town.

He said: "Six or seven weeks before Christmas it is not a good idea to cut the park and ride from three buses every 20 minutes to two buses every 20 minutes.

"There is also no park and ride on Wednesday evenings for late night shopping. If anything they should be putting more buses on now, not taking them away.

"The buses are absolutely packed now and some people are waiting 20 minutes for a bus. If you are in Harlescott it only takes 20 minutes to get to Telford. Why are they going to wait 20 minutes for a bus if they can get to in that time?. It is going to kill trade."

Under the new timetable buses operate from Monday to Saturday, inbound from 7.20am, with the last return service leaving the town centre at 6.30pm.

As part of the new contract Arriva is also using new environmentally-friendly buses.

Councillor Jones said: "I'm also really pleased that Arriva Midlands has invested in brand new ultra-low emission hybrid vehicles to provide the service, something that will help further reduce noise and air pollution within the town.

Rob Cheveaux, area managing director west for Arriva Midlands, added: "We will continue to work in partnership with the council to deliver a reliable, punctual and attractive high quality service for commuters and visitors to the attractive town centre.

"We are committed to making further improvements in 2017 with the introduction of ultra-low emission hybrid vehicles to further reduce noise and air pollution within the town."

Councillor Jones added: "The new contract for the Shrewsbury Park & Ride service commenced on Monday 2 November and it is too early to comment on how these changes have impacted on passenger numbers, until the service has been in operation for a reasonable time period so that an assessment can be made. However, we are confident that the new Park & Ride contract will provide passengers with the same level of service that it has previously, with bus frequencies set at achievable times.

"This year Shropshire Council is again offering free parking from 4pm on Wednesdays in its long-stay car parks, but is unable to fund the running of a free Park & Ride service on Wednesday nights."