Transport ‘Bus travel to increase’ despite cuts to some city services

THE new boss of Bristol’s biggest bus company said he ‘expects bus travel to grow steadily’ this summer - at the same time as announcing cuts to at least 19 different bus routes in the city.

Another seven bus routes will be ‘adjusted,’ and only one - the number 8 bus that goes between Temple Meads, the city centre and the zoo, will actually see an improved service.

With passenger numbers still low and only gradually increasing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the departure of tens of thousands of students this month has prompted the usual annual cuts to bus services across the city for the summer months.

The changes to the services came into effect at the weekend.

But Doug Claringbold, the new managing director of First West of England, said he was more optimistic in the long term about the number of passengers coming back onto public transport.

“As we enter the summer months, and now that some lockdown restrictions have eased, we expect bus travel to grow steadily.

“We are regularly monitoring what is needed to get our customers moving safely and reliably, and we look forward to welcoming people back onboard as they begin to undertake more day-to-day travel in line with Government guidance.

“We are still limiting numbers on board. If a bus has reached its full capacity, it will indicate so and may not be able to stop and pick up more customers until someone alights.

“That’s why we are encouraging customers to plan their journey in advance and travel at quieter times if they can. Our journey planning tools, including the First Bus app and the Space Checker website support customers to plan their travel effectively.

“On First West of England and metrobus services across Bristol, the Tap & Cap payment system now makes boarding easier, faster, and ensures that our customers get the best on-bus fare. If you can’t book in advance, then please use contactless payment on board whenever possible,” he added.

Customers are also being asked to make full use of the upper deck if they can, to leave seats downstairs for those less mobile.

Mr Claringbold added: “We would like to remind customers that it is a legal requirement to wear a face covering when travelling by public transport, unless you fall within the Government’s specified exemptions, and everyone should adhere to this to help protect each other.

“We’d like to thank all our customers for their ongoing patience and cooperation,” he added.

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Of the 27 different bus routes in Bristol affected by the new changes, 19 of them will see the number of buses on the route, and therefore the frequency of buses at each bus stop being cut.

Many bus services that were already cut from every ten minutes - or more frequent - to every 12 minutes during the pandemic, will again be cut to every 15 minutes.

And some places with even less frequent bus services will see the number of buses on the route halved, with buses only calling every hour instead of every half an hour.

For a full list of changes visit tinyurl.com/3tspd3re

As we enter the summer months, and now that some lockdown restrictions have eased, we expect bus travel to grow steadily.

Doug Claringbold