A REVIEW has started into rural bus services in south Shropshire.

Shropshire Council says the findings of its review will allow it to develop the service and will look to better meet the needs of users.

The council says records from ShropshireLink’s launch in November 2008 until the end of August this year show that there have been more than 60 per cent more bus trips undertaken by residents of rural areas than before the service was launched.

This indicates there are many people travelling more often than the previous one day a week fixed route services allowed. The service has also increased the number of households having access to a local bus in a rural area.

Bus user satisfaction surveys have also shown that 75 per cent of current users rate ShropshireLink overall as an “excellent service”.

Aimed at giving Shropshire's rural households access to essential services in local market towns, ShropshireLink operates on a pre-booked basis and is available to all rural residents on a minimum of two days a week. Travel on ShropshireLink is also free for those holding a concessionary bus pass.

“We are constantly working to improve our rural bus service and ensure that Shropshire’s communities are well connected,”

said Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning and transport and Mayor of Ludlow.

He hoped this review would highlight any improvements that can be made to the service.