A GROUP of Shropshire councillors have been given a sneak preview of a new bus of the future.

Members of Shropshire Council's cross-party public transport working group visited the council's highways depot at Longden Road, Shrewsbury, where a Sigma 7 demonstration vehicle has been on loan from MellorBus.

The fully-electric, emission-free, vehicle aims to make cleaner travel accessible for all passengers.

The group were among some of the first to see the bus and even got to experience its comfort for themselves with a quick trip into Shrewsbury town centre and back.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public transport, explained that discussions have already taken place to look at how the bus could "potentially revitalise" travel in the county.

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She said: “The Sigma 7 is a fully electric, emission-free bus making cleaner travel accessible for all passengers.

“The working group has held discussions about its potential inclusion on a demand-responsive service operating in the county and how it could potentially revitalise bus travel in the county for passengers of all ages. It was therefore extremely beneficial for us to see and travel on the bus.

“We were all very impressed and I’d like to thank MellorBus for loaning it to us and giving us a sneak preview.”

The bus was also available for the public to view at the Shropshire Goes Green event at Shrewsbury Town’s Montgomery Waters Meadow stadium recently.

In August, Shropshire Council submitted a bid to the Government for levelling-up funding that would enable the introduction of a new, improved, park and ride service, plus demand-responsive buses across the county.

The new cross-party working group is meeting regularly to discuss and consider other ways to improve public transport in the council area.