Park and ride buses could become more frequent

Park and ride services could become more frequent in Shrewsbury, if plans are approved.

Shropshire Council's cabinet will be asked on 12 February to allow park and ride buses in the town to run every 12 minutes, rather than every 20.

If agreed, the change could come into effect by June.

The move would apply to buses running from all three of the town's park and ride sites, in Harlescott, Meole Brace and Oxon.

The authority said the increased frequency would be paid for via the government-allocated bus improvement funding for 2025/26.

It added the money would also be spent on improvements to other bus services around the county, with details yet to be announced.

In the authority's recent budget consultation, residents were asked whether they supported suspending the park and ride service to save money, or instead wanted to see an increase in bus frequency.

Many said they wanted to see an improved service, the council said.

"I'm pleased that people who responded to the consultation supported the continuation of the park and ride service, and acknowledge the need for improvements to encourage more people to use it," said councillor Ian Nellins, the council's deputy leader.

"Increasing the frequency of buses to one every 12 minutes – or five an hour – will mean a better, more reliable service and one that we hope people will use and support."

The authority added that the current offer of a £1 return ticket from all three sites would end as planned on 31 March.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.