On-demand transport scheme with dedicated vehicles coming to Shropshire tourist hotspot in 2025

Demand responsive transport (DRT) is a flexible service that will be available to residents and visitors around the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site in the new year.

The Telford & Wrekin Council service is set to launch in early 2025, and will work via an app. Users will be presented with the best travel option for their journey, including whether to use the on-demand service or existing public bus routes - depending on their location and destination.

The council says pick-up and drop-off locations will be tailored to customer’s preferences, ensuring people with mobility issues will no longer have to walk to the nearest bus stop. For passengers travelling from the gorge, destinations currently available include Madeley and Telford town centre.   

Initially, the service will operate Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm and will be reviewed again ahead of the busier summer months. If successful, the council hopes the format could be used elsewhere in the borough.

Councillor Ollie Vickers said: “This is a very exciting pilot that will change the way we access public transport with a flexible, easy-to-use and customised travel solution for people around the Ironbridge Gorge area.

"This service will allow users to book journeys tailored to their specific needs, helping to improve local mobility and connectivity. 

"More detailed information will be available closer to the official launch in 2025.”

The app is called ‘Travel Telford OnDemand' is available for download from the Apple app store and Google Play store.