Somerset bus changes

17th February 2012, 12:07

Comments

First Bus are making changes to their services in Somerset - especially in and around Taunton - because of what they call a 'tough economic climate'.

The changes will affect a number of services specifically bus services: 1/1A, 21/21A/221, 22/22A, 25/25A/25B, 28/28A/X28, 29, 30/30A, 54/54C/154, 92/92A/192.

In some places additional journeys are being created, while others services will see some journeys extended. To accommodate these changes some underused journeys are however being withdrawn.

Talking about the changes, Simon Newport, Regional Network Manager, First South West and Wales, says:

"In making these changes we have reviewed the local network as a whole looking at which journeys are used the most, and the costs associated with operating each of them. As a result of this we have taken some of the underused journeys out of the timetable, reallocating our resources to better meet the demand for our services. Where we have been able to we have added in some new journeys, increasing the frequency of some buses at weekends and creating some new evening journeys during the week.

Operating buses in this economic climate remains tough, particularly where support for tendered bus services has been reduced and where our business remains under pressure from cuts to the level of concessionary fare reimbursement that operators like us receive, but in making these changes we have done what we can to ensure the long term sustainability of the commercial routes we operate.

Notably these changes are being made for commercial reasons. Later this year First will also be implementing those changes due as a result of cuts in local authority funding for supported services. The detail of those changes, which are separate, is not yet known but it will be published as soon as it becomes available . "

For more information about the changes to the local bus network customers can log onto www.firstgroup.com/somerset or they can call customer services on 0845 602 0156 . Complete timetable information for the services affected by these changes is available online.

Those wanting independent help and advice planning journeys by bus are advised to contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or www.travelinesw.com .