Many residents will have seen local publicity/social media comment about the 340 bus service, which started in January and which links Whitchurch and Wellington railway stations (and points in between, inc PR Hospital) via Market Drayton.
What has surprised/disappointed many is the fact that the service passes along the Hodnet bypass rather than coming through Hodnet/Wollerton, one of the largest non-town settlements along the route, especially as any such ‘diversion’ would only add a minute or two to the overall journey, but make the service available to a considerable number of potential extra users.
Having been in touch with DG Bus, the service operators, they confirm that all queries/suggestions for change need to be addressed to Shropshire Council (SC) who fund (and therefore effectively control) the service.
Hodnet Parish Council (HPC) are currently making representations to SC, and others, with a view to having our village directly served in future – hopefully after an expected review of the service later this year.
In any event, it may be helpful for the HPC to have more evidence of local public support/demand for use of the service, so please do take the trouble to drop the Clerk a mesage with your thoughts: see HPC website for contact details. https://www.hodnet-pc.gov.uk/
More Information
You can find timetables/fare details, or track a service, at https://www.dgbus.co.uk/bus-services/340/
You can also download the DG Bus app (with tracker feature) from the Apple App Store or Google Play