Following on from last week’s story announcing major changes to local bus services, Somerbus has said that it will no longer be operating services 82/82A and 175 after September 4th. This is due to the owner wishing to cut back the business in order to semi-retire.
From September 5th, the 82/82A will be operated by Frome Minibuses to exactly the same route and timetable, including the 82 school service to Somervale; however, there will no longer be any service on Saturdays.
It had been hoped to get another small operator to take over the 175, but First is going to provide a replacement service in the form of the 171. This will run hourly between Bath and Peasedown St John, serving Wellow Mead, Circle Hospital and Orchard Way.
Somerbus will continue to run the 83 school service from Paulton to Somervale and Norton Hill, as well as various daily shopping services, including the 185 to Trowbridge.
Director, Tim Jennings, said: “I am sad to be giving up these routes, but no longer feel I have the energy to run such an intensive operation. I will not be retiring completely, but the reduced workload should give me more time to spend with my family. I would like to thank all of our customers for their support over many years.”