Telford & Wrekin Council’s new 100 ‘Express’ bus service launched in Telford today with a new route aimed at saving people money and helping them get to work.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Enforcement and Transport, Councillor Richard Overton (Lab) said: “This new service is wholly subsidised by the council to help people get to work cheaply and quickly.
“For one day only, we have run the service for free allowing residents to experience it for themselves.
“We’re confident it’s a positive addition and shows people we are clearly on their side during this difficult time. If you haven’t yet, please have a look at the timetable and use the service if you can as we need a good uptake to sustain this separate council funded service.
“We’re leading the way and passengers can now travel anywhere on the 100 at a cost of no more than £2 for a single journey. This cost saving cap on fares has also been adopted by government today and will be rolled out across the country from January meaning that all single journeys will cost no more than £2 per adult.”
Mathew Smith, a resident from Woodside, previously caught a taxi to Hortonwood where he is employed by Veolia.
The round trip was costing him £22 a day but by catching the 100, he’ll save more than £100 a week in travel. He said: “It’s really good, nice and quick. I’ll be using it every day without a doubt. A hundred pounds a week is a lot of money which will make a huge difference to my outgoings.”
The new service will cover continental shift patterns and enable people to get to work on time in a cost effective and reliable way. The first morning departure from Madeley bus station is at 4:50am seven days a week and runs throughout the day until 11pm. It will link areas in South Telford with the major industrial estates, Wellington and the Princess Royal Hospital.
It will also provide direct transport for pupils to Telford Priory School according to its timetable with an additional service for after school sessions. It does not call at the town centre.
This service is the first of four new council-funded routes due to launch imminently.
