Three night buses will run as part of a month-long pilot in Shrewsbury, made possible by local funding.
With the support of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, the N11, N25 and N27 night buses will run until midnight along the same routes as the corresponding daytime services.
In response to calls from local businesses, hospitality workers, and evening visitors, the trial will run from 24 November-23 December to assess demand for a long-term night service.
The three routes, which will operate Monday to Saturday, will serve all stops on the way to Gains Park, Harlescott and Bayston Hill, with some additional stops in the town centre.
The 11, 25 and 27 services — operated by Arriva Midlands North — currently end before 9pm.
The scheme was made possible through collaboration between Shrewsbury BID, Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council, and Arriva.
Seb Slater, Executive Director of Shrewsbury BID, says: “This has been a frequently requested improvement from businesses and workers in the town centre.
“Late-night transport is essential for helping customers get home safely, supporting those who work in hospitality and retail, and strengthening our night-time economy.
“We’re really pleased to see the Big Town Plan Partnership come together to make this trial possible; it’s a great example of how collaboration can deliver practical benefits for Shrewsbury.”
Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley, along with the Shrewsbury Transport Integration Group, was key in driving the initiative forward.
Ms Buckley says: “I’m thrilled that funding has been secured for the night bus trial.
“When I established the Shrewsbury Transport Integration Group, this was one of the top priorities raised by local businesses and residents to increase safe access to our night-time economy.
“By working together, we’ve been able to get this idea back on the table and turn it into action.
“Increasing bus services in Shrewsbury has always been a keen focus of my work. I hope this pilot will show how much demand there is for late-night public transport in Shrewsbury.”
Toby France, Head of Commercial, Arriva Midlands, adds: “Arriva is proud to be part of this fantastic partnership initiative.
“The night bus will provide a safe, reliable and sustainable travel option that supports both the community and the town’s evening economy.”
