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Shropshire Council
Shirehall
Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6ND

ePetition details

Sunday Bus Service Request in Shrewsbury

We the undersigned petition the council to Sunday Bus Service Request in Shrewsbury

I, the concerned resident of Shrewsbury, by means of this petition wish to urge, in the most immediate manner possible, that Arriva Transport Company institute Sunday bus services in Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury is a growing town with lots of diverse people who need and rely upon the public transport as a means of getting around the town to go to work, go shopping, and go out in the community. Due to the fact that no bus services run on Sundays, residents have been left to face many difficulties, especially for those with no car. This petition shows a dire need for Sunday bus operations, which are changes that call upon greater impacts in residents, the environment, and commerce.

1. An Increasing Demand for Public Transport:
Shrewsbury has been growing fast these last years, seeing many new residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Public transport demand has grown with it, especially on Sundays, a day on which many head into the towns to work, shop, and attend various activities. Without the services available this day, access is very limited for those relying on public transport; thus, full participation in the community for all is rather difficult.
For instance, many residents rely on buses to go to different places, like shops, restaurants, and places of employment. The lack of a reliable Sunday bus service is not only an inconvenience for those people who need to travel but also a disincentive for visitors to come to Shrewsbury. Arriva need to realize that Sunday bus services are less of a convenience than a necessity for the well-being of our community.

2. Economic Impact:
Shrewsbury economy gains considerably from Sunday shoppers and visitors. Most private businesses within the town operate on Sundays, offering services to people who seek shopping, dining, and recreational activities. However, without a reliable bus service, many residents find it difficult to visit and enjoy Sunday shopping.
The commercial viability of Sunday bus services is clear. If Arriva were to operate buses on Sundays from early morning until at least 18:00, this would facilitate a possible greater footfall to local businesses, ensuring higher sales and better economic stability for Shrewsbury. Many residents have suggested that they would definitely use bus services provided, thus indicating an apparent demand that Arriva can take advantage of.

3. Environmental Considerations:
Due to a lack of Sunday public transportation, many residents are compelled to use private means of transportation. This contributes not only to increased congestion but also to environmental pollution. Promotion of public transport would not only relieve these aspects but add to broader environmental policies as well.
It is here that Arriva would play a major role in promoting sustainable transport solutions and reducing carbon emissions from individual car use by offering Sunday bus services. This is also in line with the commitment of Shropshire Council to environmental sustainability and increasing the quality of life for its residents.

4. Inadequate Alternatives:
Travelers from Shrewsbury to nearby towns like Telford have to put up with delays in travel. For instance, the first train from Shrewsbury to Telford leaves on Sundays at 9.12 a.m.; for many people, that is quite late to get to their workplaces. This is intolerable for those whose workplaces demand that they report to work before then.
In addition, if the bus services operated earlier on Sundays, residents could rely on public transport to reach their destinations in time. This would not only ease the burden on those commuting but encourage more people to choose public bus transport over private vehicles and contribute towards a more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem.

5. Discrimination against Shrewsbury Residents:
Why this should be happening, and Telford , a town next door has Sunday bus services and Shrewsbury doesn’t, is beyond reason. This literally raises concerns about fairness and equality within public transport provisions. It’s expected that residents in Shrewsbury have precisely the same service as in Telford.
By failing to offer Sunday bus services, I feel that Arriva are discriminating indirectly against the people of Shrewsbury and demeaning their status as the capital of Shropshire. In this regard, it is highly important that Arriva takes no more time and removes this discrepancy so that one and all get a fair deal in public transport.

6. Community Well-being:
Public transportation is a critical link in our community-building interactions and fostering inclusion. The lack of Sunday bus service creates a huge impediment for those who want to go out and be part of their community, visit friends and family, or travel to needed services.
In fact, by instituting Sunday bus service, Arriva can indeed help in improving the quality of life for all residents and contributes to a better-connected, vibrant community. Such a commitment to community well-being will foster goodwill among its residents and solidify the Arriva-people of Shrewsbury relationship.

7. Conclusion:
I, the undersigned resident of Shrewsbury, consequently call upon Arriva Transport Company and Shropshire Council to recognize the urgent need to make Sunday bus services available in our town. The reasons set out above demonstrate that such services are essential if our community is to advance economically, environmentally, and socially.
I believe that the introduction of a Sunday bus service starting from early morning to at least 18:00 would not only address the needs of the residents but would also have positive impacts on the local economy and the environment. I thank you in advance for considering this petition and look forward to your timely response to the issues I have raised.

This ePetition runs from 24/11/2024 to 07/02/2025.

One person has signed this ePetition.

Please note that you must live, work or study in the Council's area to sign up to a petition.

 

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