Short-hop bus fares are cut by up to 20pc
Bus fares on some routes in Telford are to be cut by up to 20 per cent from Monday.
Transport operator Arriva said it hoped the lower price would attract non-bus users to public transport, helping to ease congestion on the roads. Journeys between Wellington and the Princess Royal Hospital will be cut from £1.70 to £1.50 – representing a saving of 11.5 per cent.
Trips from Telford Central Railway Station or Stafford Park to Telford Town Centre bus station, which were £1.20 for adults and 70p for children, will now cost £1 for adults and 50p for children – a saving of 20 per cent.
Keith Myatt, marketing and communications manager for Arriva, said: "The changes were made as a result of general feedback we've had during customer surveys .
"Some of our short-hop fares were not priced at a level to make bus travel popular and have been detracting from people wanting to use the bus.
"We've listened to our customers and are pleased to introduce the new prices into the town and Wellington and Princess Royal Hospital on services 44 and 55.
"Hopefully this will help to encourage more people to think about taking the bus instead of getting in the car, which will help reduce traffic on the roads.
"This is a great time for us to be moving up a gear. We are committed to making public transport as efficient, reliable and cost effective as possible and the new prices offer a real incentive to leave the car at home."
The prices will be introduced on Monday and will be fixed until at least December 31.
Mr Myatt said: "These prices will remain in place for a trial period to see what response we get.
"If we get a positive response and attracts more people to come on the bus then we will consider making the changes for other areas as well."
