MP demands rethink over Newport to Shrewsbury bus service cut
A bus service connecting rural parts of Telford & Wrekin with Shrewsbury is being reduced and discontinued completely on Saturdays.
Passengers face big reductions on the 519 service, which runs from Newport to Shrewsbury via High Ercall, Roden, Rodington and Upton Magna.
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard today vowed to fight for the service, saying it was a vital link for many people who use it.
But Arriva says the service is too expensive to run and not very well used, and that it could no longer run it at a loss.
Jamie Crowsley, area general manager for Arriva Shropshire, said: “Following a continued review of commercial bus service 519 and its Saturday operation it was clear that the costs associated with operating the service outweighed the return from passenger usage.
"This issue was highlighted to the local bus user forum, with local management attending an extraordinary meeting at Waters Upton Village Hall in May.
“At the meeting local management took the time to understand the local issues and they valued the suggestions that some of the attendees put forward. However, the sustainability of the 519 as a whole is an important factor and as the Saturday operation it is not cost effective as a commercial business we cannot continue to run it at a loss.
Shortfall
"During the meeting the local management team were open about the costs associated to make up the shortfall with options such as section 106 funding investigated but unsuccessful.
“Local management will continue to work with bus users and local forums to try and build the Monday to Friday operation in what are difficult operating conditions for rural bus services.”
Mr Pritchard said the service was very important for those that relied on public transport.
He criticised the decision and said he was seeking a solution to the situation that would help those passengers.
He said: “The 519 bus service is used by many residents who don’t have access to cars, who live in rural areas along the route, and many of these passengers are elderly or who are too young to drive.
"Arriva needs to listen to local councillors and residents and reverse this flawed decision."
