Telford Garage

[Stu]

Looks like the 9 (Wolverhampton to Bridgnorth) is another service "at risk of cancellation".

New timetable being introduced from 4th January.

We're making some major changes to the timetable to balance our cost of operation with the revenue received, to protect the long-term viability of this bus service. Revenue support we have been receiving to maintain the current timetable ended in August 2024 and we have also seen a significant reduction in scholar's revenue. Despite our best efforts to continue operation of this service on a commercial basis the number of passengers using this service does not cover the cost of operation.

Most of the daytime journeys will run 15 minutes earlier with some journeys withdrawn. This includes the withdrawal of the 0902 from Wolverhampton to Bridgnorth on Mondays to Fridays, and the withdrawal of the 0850 from Bridgnorth to Wolverhampton on Mondays to Saturdays. One lunchtime round trip is also removed on Mondays to Saturdays.

Following discussions with Shropshire Council, we will receive revenue support to continue operating the 0744 route 9 from Seisdon to Oldbury Wells School and Bridgnorth and a 1547 route 9 from Oldbury Wells School and Bridgnorth to Upper Ludstone on schooldays only. These journeys will remain in place until 31 March 2025, when alternative arrangements will be considered.

from: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-our-services-in-telford-and-shropshire

(I assume this service is operated from Telford, I'll move this if anyone can advise otherwise)

[markcf83]

Looks like the 9 (Wolverhampton to Bridgnorth) is another service "at risk of cancellation".

New timetable being introduced from 4th January.
from: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-our-services-in-telford-and-shropshire

(I assume this service is operated from Telford, I'll move this if anyone can advise otherwise)

Believe it is a Telford route.

[Rachvince53]

Believe it is a Telford route.

Yes Telford. The last Arriva service into Wolverhampton. It was previously numbered 890 but gained the 9 number when the existing 9 service from Telford to Bridgnorth was extended over the 890 route. This further reduction in frequency is a far cry from when it ran hourly and had a 2 hour Sunday service. 

[Westy]

Wouldn't it give a knock back to Bridgnorth's tourist trade, if total withdrawal took place?

Assuming the 'other route' is still viable, would people travel the long way round via Stourbridge or Telford even, as you add mpre than an hour onto your journey?

Or could the service be rerouted via the Trysull area, as they haven't had a service for years, or even merging with the Pattingham service?

Is there more villages that can be served, if you divert off the A454?

Maybe reduce to a 1 bus 2 hourly frequency, as long as key times of day are covered, ie make sure a bus arrives in Wolverhampton for 830/9am & the last bus departs Wolves say 1800?

[ellspurs]

I usually see the 0900 or so 9 in Bridgnorth going to Wolverhampton (it is usually stuck behind me) on a Friday, and to be honest I've not seen that many people catching it. If it were there as a result of a school run and said school run isn't picking up many passengers then I can see the reason for the withdrawal.

I gathered people went to Bridgnorth via the Severn Valley Railway. 

[satters]

With the Severn Valley Railway south from Bridgnorth currently closed for a while due to a collapse, plus Bridgnorth having a sorry excuse for a bus station consisting of a couple of damaged shelters, with no facilities, some operators buses being exceptionally filthy, Stourbridge only reachable by the 125 route via Kidderminster, and even that in jeopardy, Bridgnorth is not doing so well transport wise :(

[BMJ1970]

And what has it got to do the bus operators?  Surely it's up to the Severn Valley to provide any alternatives. 

[2206]

And what has it got to do the bus operators?  Surely it's up to the Severn Valley to provide any alternatives.

I think with the SVR a lot of people probably go for the steam train experience.
A rail replacement bus/coach probably wouldn't have the same attraction. & it's probably not really day to day commuters/travellers who use it, hence they're closed on every weekday in March & most in April anyway.
https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SVR-Calendar-2025.pdf

[ellspurs]

I think with the SVR a lot of people probably go for the steam train experience.
A rail replacement bus/coach probably wouldn't have the same attraction. & it's probably not really day to day commuters/travellers who use it, hence they're closed on every weekday in March & most in April anyway.
https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SVR-Calendar-2025.pdf

Ah, that explains why I rarely see it running despite being in Bridgnorth every week. I go there on a Friday.

[Sandy Lane]

With the Severn Valley Railway south from Bridgnorth currently closed for a while due to a collapse,....

From what I've heard Bridgnorth station is open and doing cab rides to attract the public?