The cabinet at Telford and Wrekin Council has backed further investment in the Travel Telford bus network after what officials describe as sustained demand and improved connectivity across the borough.
Growth, low fares and extended services
Launched in 2022, the council-run initiative has altered travel patterns in the borough by introducing new routes, simplifying journey planning and linking residential areas to schools, colleges, hospitals and employment zones. The network now comprises six fixed routes — the 99, 100, 101, 102, 103 and 104 — and a bookable on-demand service that covers outlying communities.
Officials point to more than one million passenger journeys since launch and a passenger increase of over 21% since the most recent timetable changes introduced last summer. Earlier this year the council extended a flat-fare scheme — a £2 adult fare and £1 for under-19s — to services run by Arriva, making Telford and Wrekin the first council in the Midlands to apply a cross-operator flat fare.
Which areas are served
The services aim to connect residents to key local destinations, including the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford Central rail station and major retail centres. One route in particular, the 100 Work Express, has been highlighted for its role in providing early-morning to late-night journeys seven days a week to industrial and employment areas.
- Work connectivity: the 100 Work Express links Sutton Hill, Brookside and Woodside with Hortonwood, Stafford Park and Halesfield.
- On-demand expansion: Travel Telford On-Demand now covers areas such as Telford College, Longdon-on-Tern, Ironbridge, Horsehay and Lightmoor.
- Passenger-led changes: routes, timetables and extra journeys have been adjusted following user feedback.
| Route | Key destinations |
|---|---|
| 99–104 | Schools, colleges, hospital, stations, shopping centres |
| 100 Work Express | Sutton Hill, Brookside, Woodside → Hortonwood, Stafford Park, Halesfield |
| On-demand | Telford College, Longdon-on-Tern, Ironbridge, Horsehay, Lightmoor → central hubs |
Council members said the decision to continue funding reflects both rising passenger confidence and the social and economic benefits of better public transport for workers, students and residents across the borough.
Local impact and what to expect
For many residents the combination of low fares, more reliable timetables and targeted services for shift workers has made bus travel a more realistic everyday choice. The cabinet’s backing should secure the current network and allow for further adjustments based on ongoing feedback from passengers.
Passengers and community groups can expect the council to continue reviewing routes and timetables, and to promote the on-demand option where standard services are impractical. Those wanting more information about routes, fares and the on-demand booking process should check the council’s official travel pages for the latest timetables and guidance.
The cabinet’s decision marks a further step in the council’s attempt to reshape local transport provision and support access to jobs, education and healthcare across Telford and Wrekin.
