THE X91 and 99 buses are currently being scrutinised by the West of England Combined Authority to assess whether they should be prioritised for future funding. It is a critical time and we need more people to get on board!

Whilst passenger numbers on the X91 are growing, we need more weekday daytime and Saturday evening passengers. The 99, is struggling with numbers overall not yet seeing an upturn from September changes, despite the simpler route being requested. Last year more sixth formers used it for school than do so now. Both the 99 and the X91 are in real danger of not continuing after March 2026 unless we can reduce the cost per passenger.

So, why not make November the month where you get on board; a lovely surge in numbers would greatly improve the chances of retaining these much valued services.

Take the strain out of Christmas shopping with lots of local events happening across villages in the coming weeks and the X91 taking you to Imperial Park or into the city to shop? Make a day of it and have some fun. Perhaps you are planning a work Christmas party, why not set it up so that you can get there and back by bus?

We are working closely with local businesses and throughout November to run a ‘Better by Bus’ campaign. The name came from the feedback you gave that the routes are cheaper, more sociable, greener and more pleasant than travelling by car!

Each Saturday night in November there will be free ‘Bus Bites’ offered as part of the Better by Bus campaign at a range of local venues. Could you offer your venue on Saturday, November 22, to complete the set? Please do contact us if so.

Events coming up:

Saturday, November 1: The Pelican Chew Magna. From 6pm to 8pm — Settle in for slices of Soul Dough wood-fired pizza and enjoy our live music! First slice free if you travel by bus.

Saturday, November 8: Salt & Malt Chew Valley Lake. From 4pm to 8.30pm — Enjoy a free cone of chips with battered sausage or fish goujon if you arrive by bus.

Saturday, November 15: The Waldegrave East Harptree. From 4.30pm to 8.30pm — Free small plate from the nibbles menu for the first 20 people who arrive by bus, plus discounts.

Saturday, November 22: This slot is not yet filled…could you be the venue to fill it?

Saturday, November 29: The Ring of Bells Compton Martin. From 6.30pm to 8.30pm — Join us for a free snack board if you have travelled here by bus.

For more incentives to get on board check our social media.

Also, if you love our buses why not write to the mayor of West of England Cllr Helen Godwin to let her know. Emails can be sent to [email protected]

Written by Jackie Headon on behalf of the Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership