Which areas of Shrewsbury will soon be covered with the expansion of on-demand bus service

Shropshire Connect On-Demand was launched in December 2023, initially in two zones, and with plans in place to expand the service on a zone-by-zone basis.

Now ‘Zone 2’ is being expanded to include areas of Weir Hill (new residential development), Shrewsbury Business Park, Kingston Drive, and Love2Stay providing communities with more options for travel in and out of Shrewsbury town centre.

At the same time St Mary’s Street will be added to the list of Connect On-Demand stops within the town centre, for use by customers in both zones 1 and 2. Stops already available in the town centre are the Bus station, Railway station, Barker Street, High Street and The Abbey.

To celebrate this expansion, new users who register for the service in January and February 2025 will automatically receive a £5 credit added to their account.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public transport, said: “Since its launch just over a year ago the Connect On-Demand service has gone from strength-to-strength.

“The feedback provided has been incredibly valuable and we are really pleased with the positive response from the local community and service users.

“I’m delighted that we can now expand the service further and I encourage people in these new areas to make use of the service, and take advantage of the special introductory offer.”

Rosemary Dartnall, Shropshire Councillor for Bayston Hill, Column and Sutton, said the expansion was "great news" for residents in Weir Hill and Kingston drive, who currently have no bus services.

She dded: “Last summer Sutton Farm, The Farthings and Springfield Estate were successfully added to Zone Two, connecting residents to various town centre locations, Marden Medical Practice and Meole Brace shopping. 

"With this further expansion, Love-to-Stay at Emstrey will become available for all Zone Two passengers.

“I urge residents to sign-up now to take advantage of the current offer and start using the service – you’ll soon discover why Connect on-Demand is so popular with existing passengers.”

With the recent increase in the UK Government fare cap, prices for the Connect On-Demand service will increase from January 31, but remain below the £3.00 fare cap.

A standard fare will be £2.50, or £2 for a young persons fare (ages six to 19). Under fives or those travelling with concessionary travel passes ride for free.

To introduce the expanded service, answer any questions or sign people up to the service, a series of roadshows are being held. 

A roadshow for Shrewsbury Business Park will be held on the Greggs/Co-op car park on Thursday, January 23 from 12.15pm to 1pm.

The second, for Kingston Drive, will be held on Saturday, January 25 from 1.30pm to 2.15pm, opposite 9 Salcombe Drive.

Weir Hill's roadshow will be held on Pankurst Way, near the junction for Liddle Close from 2.45pm to 3.30pm on Saturday, January 25.

The Connect On-Demand service currently operates Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 6.30pm excluding bank holidays.

People can book a journey using the Connect On-demand app – or by phone on 0345 678 9013 between 10am and 2pm, Mondays to Fridays. 

For more information about the Connect On-Demand service and how to register, visit Shropshire Council's website.