New Covid-19 shuttle bus service
Shrewsbury area residents will have a new shuttle bus service to get to a Covid-19 vaccination centre from Thursday morning.
The free service will take passengers to the Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre next to Shrewsbury Sports Village, in Sundorne Road, Sundorne.
It will be operated by Arriva in partnership with Shropshire Council.
Services VS1 and VS2 will run every 20 minutes throughout the day, with Shuttle VS1 running from 0735 until 2015, and Shuttle VS2 running from 0745 until 1945.
VS1 will serve Bayston Hill, Meole Brace – Moneybrook Way, Abbey Foregate – Shirehall and Monkmoor Road.
While VS2 will serve the Harlescott Park and Ride site and Coton Hill.
On arrival at the centre marshals will escort residents to get their vaccines.
Over the coming weeks the service may alter as the main demand points become clearer. This should not impact on the service.
All buses will be deep cleaned and passengers will be required to adhere to social distancing rules and should not use seats that have been taped off. Face coverings must be worn at all times.
Shropshire Council’s adult social care and public health boss Councillor Dean Carroll said: “The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme is imperative to fighting the virus and getting life back to ‘normal’.
“Opening more vaccination centres across Shropshire is important to enable the roll out, but we must also ensure people are able to get to their appointments.
“I’m pleased that the council is able to offer this free shuttle service in partnership with Arriva to help residents get their vaccines.”
Arriva's general manager Jack Grove said: “We work very closely with Shropshire Council and we are proud to assist them with this real community effort. These shuttle services will provide greater access for vaccination appointments.”
The new shuttle service follows the successful launch of free transport for vulnerable individuals to jab centres.
More details are available on www.arrivabus.co.uk/ShrewsburyShuttle
Communities are reminded to help stop the spread of the virus by staying at home, regular and thorough hand washing. Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms, wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble.
