Getting to Telford College just got easier and cheaper for hundreds of students, following the expansion of a new on-demand bus service.

The Travel Telford on-Demand service has been extended to include a dedicated new stop at the college’s Wellington campus — with fares as cheap as £1 for students.

The expansion is the result of more than 12 months of joint working between the college and Telford & Wrekin Council to improve transport links to the Haybridge Road site.

The new service will give students a flexible, affordable alternative to fixed bus routes and timetables and will make it easier for those living in the south of the borough to get to the campus.

Unlike a traditional bus service, the On-Demand service lets passengers choose their own pick-up and drop-off points, booking at least 30 minutes in advance via an app. The service runs Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm.

Caroline Bastow, vice principal of support and performance at Telford College, said the service would be of particular benefit to students finishing outside normal college hours.

 She said: “Getting to college should never be a barrier to learning, and that is exactly what this is about. We have been working hard with the council to make the campus more accessible, and this is a really positive step forward.

“Students will have more flexibility than ever before — whether that is getting here in the morning, making the most of study time in the day, or getting home safely when they finish later in the evening. We are really pleased to see this come together.”

Around 400 students at Telford College currently receive bursary-linked travel support, and the college is continuing to work with the council to explore how the new fare structure can benefit even more students.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, cabinet member of the economy and transport, added: “Expanding this service is another step forward in making public transport more accessible and responsive to our residents’ needs.”

The council has also developed a route-planning app to help students navigate journeys that may involve multiple operators — including Arriva, Travel Telford and the on-demand service — all under a single flat fare.

The service is currently running as a pilot and the college and council will monitor its impact, with a fuller picture expected once the full student timetable resumes in the autumn.

The expanded bus service builds on the success of the on-demand zones in Ironbridge, Madeley, Horsehay, and Lightmoor and is part of the council’s wider investment in jobs, education and transport.

• Students can download the Travel Telford On-Demand app on Android or Apple devices to book journeys. For help using the service, the Telford On-Demand team can be reached on 01952 384545 or at ondemand@telford.gov.uk.