The new 151 bus between Rugeley and Stone brought a group of visitors into the town on its first Saturday in operation, according to one of the councillors involved in campaigning for the service.
Stafford Borough Councillor Brendan McKeown joined the service at Back Lane in Hixon on Saturday 5 September, travelling towards Stone with a group of other passengers.
He said 15 passengers got off in Stone around 30 minutes later and headed into the town centre.
Their visit coincided with Stone Farmers’ Market, which was being held in the High Street from 9am to 3pm on Saturday. Stafford Borough Council organises the monthly market on the first Saturday of the month.
Councillor McKeown said there had been a “great atmosphere on board”, with passengers sharing information about places to visit after arriving in Stone.
Several hours later, he reported that 21 passengers boarded the 151 for the return journey towards Rugeley, with more passengers joining along the route.
The Chaserider 151 began operating on Tuesday 1 September as a year long trial funded by Staffordshire County Council. It runs from Monday to Saturday between Stone and Rugeley, serving communities including Aston Lodge, Burston, Sandon, Weston, Hixon, Great Haywood, Little Haywood and Colwich.
The county council has said passenger numbers will be monitored throughout the trial, with future plans for the route depending on its use.
ALBOS first reported in April that Councillor McKeown had been working on proposals for a new service along the A51 corridor. The route was subsequently confirmed during the summer before beginning operation at the start of September.
See ALBOS’s earlier coverage of the 151 proposal
See the latest Stone bus service information and 151 timetable
Have you travelled on the new 151 yet? We would be interested to hear how you found the service and what you used it for.
