Midland to run independents
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SEVEN idependent local bus services in Telford, have been acquired by the National Bus Company and will be operated by Midland Red.
The services involved are Marklew & Sons, Smiths Eagle Coachways Ltd, A. T. Brown Coachways Ltd, J. William & Son, H. Brown & Son, Smiths Britannia Travel and J. Ashley & Son. The deal does not include the coaching activities of the private operators who have acquired some of the excursions and tours licences of Midland Red.
The aim is to improve Telford New Town's bus services • and comes as a result of a study commissioned from the transport consultants, Colin, Buchanan & Partners. The plan has the support of Salop County Council, Brecon District Council and Telford Development Corporation.
The traffic patterns which will be developed will follow closely those of Redditch, according to Mr John Birks, Midland Red's general manager. He said that in Redditch passenger journeys had doubled in 18 months.
There are likely to be minor fares adjustments according to Mr Birks and he welcomed the assurance of the Development Corporation that they would be prepared to consider bus-only link roads.