Bus firm takes on scrapped routes

STAGECOACH is set to take over a number of bus routes across North Somerset after First Bus withdrew services in Weston-super-Mare.

From Monday, April 25, Stagecoach West will be operating the new number 50 service which will run hourly from early morning to early evening Monday to Saturday.

The service will run between West Wick and Hutton, connecting commuters to Worle, Worlebury, Grove Park, Weston town centre, Uphill, Weston General Hospital, and Bleadon. The council will offer passengers free travel on the service for the first week of operation to encourage residents to give it a go and get back on the bus.

First Bus has said the changes are needed due to the impact of ongoing driver shortages, and to address routes and journeys that, due to low passenger numbers, are not commercially viable. Dropping certain routes will ensure that all remaining services can be operated more reliably.

However, the council warned such a move would leave some communities without vital links to employment, shops, hospitals, schools and colleges.

The new service will run from 7am to 7.45pm and cover the areas served by the 2, 4, 5 and 6 routes which are being withdrawn by First Bus on Sunday, April 24. The route will run for an initial period of 18 months with an option to extend depending on popularity.

Councillor Don Davies, North Somerset Council’s Leader and executive member for public transport, said: “Providing this service will enable members of our community to access work, education, the hospital and other essential services.”