The 745 bus service, which operates between Pontesbury, Bishop’s Castle, Clun and Ludlow, is to be withdrawn from September 2026 following a commercial decision by operator Minsterley Motors.
The service currently operates on Mondays and Fridays and has been supported by Shropshire Council since the Covid-19 pandemic using UK Government revenue funding. However, rising operating costs and very low passenger numbers, averaging around six passengers per day, have made the service increasingly difficult to sustain.
Recent analysis shows that the level of subsidy required to maintain the route has risen to over £60 per passenger journey.
Shropshire Council has explored options to continue the service, including fully contracting the route, but the cost of doing so is not considered affordable or proportionate in the context of wider pressures across the local bus network.
The council is now working with community transport providers to identify alternative options that may help to meet local travel needs in a more flexible and cost effective way.
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said:
“We recognise that this service has provided an important link for some of our rural communities, and we do not take this decision lightly.
“However, the cost of maintaining the service has increased significantly while passenger numbers remain very low, meaning it is no longer sustainable to continue funding it in its current form at over £60 per passenger per journey.
“Our focus now is on working with community transport providers to explore more flexible and cost effective alternatives that can better meet the needs of local residents.
“At the same time, we are having to deal with increasing costs alongside reduced funding, which means the council must work harder to deliver the best possible transport network with the resources available.”
Shropshire Council is currently in the process of retendering local bus services across the county for implementation later in 2026. In the last financial year, the council had £3.07 million available to support and improve the bus network. This has been reduced to £2.86 million for this year and is expected to remain at this level in the short term.
Officers will be engaging with local councillors and parish councils during June 2026 regarding proposed changes to services. Public information for residents and passengers will follow in July 2026 once commercial processes have been completed and contracts have been confirmed.
