THE bus service which aims to help bring new life into Wrexham town centre will carry its first passengers next month.
Council chiefs have responded to demands from their own members, traders and the public to introduce a regular minibus service through the heart of the town.
The new service number 101 will begin on Monday, March 26, and run for a trial period.
If it proves successful in delivering shoppers back to businesses battling the effects of the current economic climate it will become a permanent feature.
Work to prepare the route as it passes through High Street began on Monday.
Cobbles are being removed and kerbs moved back to widen the street by just over a foot.
A parking area for disabled motorists is being set up on the opposite side of the street and various traffic orders and signs are being amended.
The work, which will take two to three weeks to complete, also involves moving bollards and putting in a bus boarding facility.
The new service, using a 19-seater bus already owned by the council, will start its circular route at the town’s General Station on Mold Road and make its way along King Street and through the pedestrianised zone on Regent Street, where it will be limited to just 5mph.
It will then turn left into High Street before going right into Yorke Street and heading along Mount Street, around the perimeter of Eagles Meadow and into St George’s Crescent and Market Street.
The bus will enter Queen Square but on market days will divert along Chester Street towards the bus station before heading back to the General Station.
In pedestrian areas the bus will operate on a hail and ride basis, which means shoppers will be able to flag it down to jump aboard.
Running times will be every half-hour between 9.15am and 3.30pm.
A commercial return fare of about 70p will be charged with concessions available.
Council deputy leader David Bithell, who is lead member for transport and environment, said: “The bus service is being introduced as part of our ongoing process of stimulating the economy during these difficult times.
“It will obviously assist people travelling between the older and newer parts of the town centre.
“It will be evaluated in the autumn and it will become a permanent feature if it is judged to be a success.”