The Night Bus has arrived — right on time!
Shrewsbury’s evening scene is flourishing, with a growing mix of restaurants, wine bars and nightclubs attracting both locals and visitors from across the country. Our town has even caught national attention, with features in The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Times celebrating the sights, the history, and culinary gems waiting within the loop.
Despite this vibrant nightlife, Shrewsbury has long lacked reliable late-night transport, something essential not only for revellers heading home safely, but also for the hospitality staff who work into the night. Our MP, Julia Buckley, has been vocal in her efforts to improve local transport. She established the Shrewsbury Transport Integration Group (STIG) to bring together key stakeholders, and push forward much-needed projects like this one.
That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome the launch of the Night Bus Service Trial. Running from 24 November to 23 December, it operates across three routes: N11 (Shrewsbury–Oxon), N25 (Shrewsbury–Harlescott) and N27 (Shrewsbury–Bayston Hill). Services run Monday to Saturday, from 8pm until midnight.
The first week is completely free, after that fares will be £2 for adults, £1 for under-16s, and group ticket for up to 5 people costs £5. Concession-pass holders ride for free, and existing Arriva weekly or monthly passes are also valid. The service is funded by the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership (SBTPP) — a collaboration involving Shrewsbury BID, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council.
Local businesses have long asked for this service, so we hope that residents of Shrewsbury use this service as much as possible and make this trial a permeant solution to our poor transport links. It’s not just Shrewsbury Labour who want the trial to succeed. The project has also recieved the backing of the Major of Greater Mancheter, Andy Burnham.
Credited for having spearheaded a widely admired integrated transport network for Greater Manchester – the Bee Network – Mr Burnham told partners behind the new Shrewsbury trial: “We have some trials of our own going on at the moment and they have been a gamechanger for people and for businesses, and I know exactly the same will be the case for Shrewsbury.”
He said: “I met Julia at the National Bus Summit and I really admire everything she–and you all–are doing to improve bus services.“We’ve been on that journey for a while now and you can do it.“The more you lower the cost of transport, make it accessible to people, people will use it–and of course it supports the local economy.”
Mr Burnham sent a video message of encouragement, which you can view below:
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