Quick links :  What   Why   Accessibility   How   Where   Cost

Welcome to the home page of the
49Link bus service

Following the mainstreaming of our major projects TESS closed its doors on the 31st of March 2008, however you can still access this service by calling 0800 032 1017 as it is being carried forward by Shropshire County council.

You can also access our knowledge and experience through our consultancy at Community Based Transport either through our website or by phone on 01584 876662.

This site is no longer being updated so some of the information may be out of date please check with the helpline for up to date information.

The 49Link is a door-to-door, fully accessible bus service operating in and around Craven Arms, from the Corvedale to the Clun Valley and Marshbrook down to Onibury.
The service runs 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Anyone can use the service. You can go shopping, visit friends, attend medical appointments, visit a tourist attraction or just sit on the bus and admire the South Shropshire Countryside.

In the news!

In July 2006, Nigel Dolman was out and about with BBC Shropshire's radio, TV and website teams investigating the state of transport in the county. Click on the following links to hear from him, and users of the 49Link bus service around Craven Arms.
These are .wma (Windows Media Audio) files of around 3.5Mb each

Click here for interviews, part 1

Click here for interviews, part 2

Some frequently asked questions:

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What is it?

The 49Link is a different type of bus service. We don't have any timetables! You, the passenger, influence when the bus picks you up, where it takes you and what time you go home! The bus has a low floor which makes it easy to get on and off, there is even space for wheelchairs and pushchairs on the bus. The bus can pick you up from outside your house, or at a regular bus stop if you prefer. It is a 'demand responsive' service.

To find out what 'Demand Responsive Transport' means click here

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Why do we have it?

Research around the area has shown that a bus service is needed to provide links between rural communities and local towns, such as Craven Arms. Many people in South Shropshire don't live on a regular bus route or have no access to their own transport. The 49Link service has been designed to be used especially by these people. Staff at TESS will also help you plan journeys which take you outside South Shropshire. The 49Link bus can easily link up with other bus and train services at Craven Arms.

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Accessibility

The vehicle is a fully accessible, low floor, "kneeling bus" for everyone's use. This vehicle gives easy side access for push chairs and wheelchairs. There are no steps on the bus so it's really easy to board. The 49Link bus drivers, Phil and Mark, will also help if needed.

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How do I book a journey on the bus?

Its easy! All you have to do is call

FREE on 0800 032 1017

by 3pm the day before you want to travel. The staff will guide you through the process by asking you some simple questions about where you live, where you would like to travel to and what times you would like to travel. They will then suggest a time when the bus will be able to pick you up.

You can book just one journey, or if you prefer you can make the same booking each week. You may even find that someone else is already making the same journey you want to make. You can also bring along friends and family - only one of you needs to book.

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Where can I go on the bus?

The 49Link bus serves a wide area of South Shropshire. Craven Arms is at the centre of the route, but we also travel to Clun, Clungunford, Bucknell, Onibury, Munslow, Acton Scott, Wistanstow, Wentnor and Lydbury North .

Your journey can be as short as from Newington Way to Harry Tuffins. Or a longer trip, say from Bishops Castle to Craven Arms - it's up to you. Around 400 journeys are now being made each month to take passengers shopping, to meet friends, visit tourist attractions or to gain access to health care services. Why not join them for a journey on the 49Link?

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How much does it cost?

When you make your booking to travel on the bus the staff will tell you exactly how much your journey will cost. There are also special offers for families travelling on the bus.

Visit the Shropshire Hills Shuttles website for more details of the network, prices and offers.

The "49Link" was set up by TESS.