From the start of September, the timetable for the 101 service between Hanley and Stafford is changing, and the updates could affect anyone travelling for work or college.
The new schedules take effect on Monday, 1st September for weekdays and Saturday, 6th September for weekends. While the route remains the same, the timing of key services has shifted.
Stafford commuters face an hour gap
One of the most notable changes is the removal of the bus that previously left Christ Chruch Way at 8:06 am, reaching Stafford Rail Station at 8:40 am. This journey has been important for workers and students needing to arrive in Stafford by 9:00 am.
Under the new timetable, the options are:
- 07:39 am from Stone, arriving Stafford at 08:16 am — much earlier than needed.
- 08:38 am from Stone, arriving Stafford at 09:14 am — too late for a 9:00 am start.
That creates a significant almost hour-long gap, leaving commuters either very early or slightly late.
Hanley arrivals slightly earlier, but still after 9
For those heading in the opposite direction, towards Newcastle and Hanley, the situation is largely unchanged. The 08:22 am bus from Stone arrives in Hanley at 9:06 am. This is a little earlier than the previous timetable, which got in at 9:14 am, but still not quite in time for a 9:00 am start.
Daytime frequency reduced
Across the timetable, some services are spaced slightly further apart. Daytime buses will often be 30 to 35 minutes apart, rather than a consistent 30-minute pattern, meaning longer waits if you just miss one.
Evenings mostly unchanged
Evening services continue to run at similar times, with the last bus from Hanley leaving at 8:21 pm and the last from Stafford at 9:43 pm.
You can see the timetables in full at – https://www.firstbus.co.uk/potteries/plan-journey/timetables?date=2025-08-31&search=101
