Stafford Bus Services: Routes and Operators Guide

Public bus transport in the borough of Stafford provides vital links between Stafford town centre, the market town of Stone, and the surrounding rural villages, as well as connections to neighbouring cities such as Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton. Operated primarily by commercial companies including Chaserider, First Potteries, and Select Bus Services, the network serves commuters, students, and local residents through a combination of urban town loops, regional corridors, and supported rural routes.

Primary Bus Operators

Chaserider (D&G Bus) Chaserider operates the majority of urban services within Stafford town, along with key regional routes across southern Staffordshire.

  • Local Town Routes: Services connect Stafford town centre and the railway station to surrounding residential areas, including Holmcroft, Parkside, Highfields, Wildwood, and Rising Brook.
  • Regional Routes:
    • Route 74: Connects Stafford to Cannock via Huntington.
    • Route 825: Runs between Stafford, Rugeley, and Lichfield, serving intermediate villages along the Trent Valley corridor.

First Potteries First Potteries provides high-frequency interurban transport connecting the north of the borough to the Potteries conurbation.

  • Route 101: A major trunk route that links Stafford town centre to Stone, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent). It runs along the A34 corridor, serving County Hospital and intermediate communities.

Select Bus Services Select Bus Services specialises in rural and cross-borough connections, operating routes that link smaller settlements to primary hubs.

  • Route 877 / 878: Connects Stafford to Gnosall, Church Eaton, and onward to Penkridge or Telford.
  • Route 842 / 843: Provides links connecting rural communities such as Eccleshall to Stafford.

Key Hubs and Transport Interchanges

  • Stafford Town Centre: The primary boarding points are concentrated around Chell Road, Gaol Square, and the Stafford Railway Station, facilitating multi-modal journeys with West Coast Main Line train services.
  • Stone: Services primarily stop along the High Street and Granville Square, offering connections to Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Hanley.
  • Stafford County Hospital: Served directly by multiple local routes and regional services such as the 101, ensuring access for patients, visitors, and staff.

Rural and Demand-Responsive Services

Beyond scheduled fixed-route services, rural areas in the wider borough are supported by community transport initiatives. Staffordshire County Council supports local community transport schemes and dial-a-ride options for residents with mobility issues or those living in areas where commercial fixed-route bus operations are infrequent.