FROM April 2026 Eurocoaches will be taking over from The Big Lemon as operators of the X91, 99 and P1 WESTlocal bus services in the Chew Valley.

In addition Via, will take over the operation of WESTlink services from WeMove. The 99 service will change from the present loop to a there and back route serving Ubley Sawmills and stops in Compton Martin, West and East Harptree, Bishop Sutton, Chew Stoke, Chew Magna, The Round House Stanton Drew and Pensford.

As a group we would like to take a moment to pay tribute to The Big Lemon for their work operating these WESTlocal routes; as well as all those friendly drivers and helpful voices at the end of the phone you may remember they stepped in over night when Transpora ceased trading and have been working closely in partnership with us. We are sad to see them go. Some may remember that Eurocoaches are familiar with the Chew Valley, having run the 672 for many years. We hope to build a good relationship with them over the coming months, helping to ensure that the local community is engaged with.

Agreement has been reached that the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) will provide new paper timetables as near as possible to the date of the new services starting on April 5 to 6. So we are looking for people willing to offer their shoe-leather to get these leaflets out door to door. Please contact us if you can help.

The Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership is working with the MCA to run a Bus Engagement Event at Bishop Sutton Village Hall on Saturday, March 28, from 3pm to 6pm. As well as being a space to get more information about the new 99 route and the new operators of the WESTlocals and WESTlink, this is an important moment to voice your views about bus services in the Chew Valley. You will have the chance to:

● Give us your feedback about the present WESTlocal and WESTlink services;

● Tell us what services you want and need from August 2026 onwards;

● Hear from key players in the MCA about their vision and plans for buses.

Please join us in a show of strength from this rural community so that they know what these buses mean to us and so that we can ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

Meanwhile, if you are a local business and would like to find out how to bring more customers to your door and more staff to work via bus please do also get in touch. We have some budget to use to bring about a win-win for your business. Please email [email protected] to find out more.