LOCAL residents got their first glimpse of the WESTlocal - the X91 Chew Valley Sprint- at an interactive public event.

WESTlocal allows communities to access cash to design and run their very own, brand-new, not-for-profit bus or other public transport service.

Residents had the opportunity to check out and board the new bus at a public event at Bishop Sutton Village Hall,  hosted by Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership, which led the successful bid to bring a WESTlocal service to the area.

The bus which has 29 seats and 11 standing room places and provides a commuter service with one journey in each direction per day (Monday-Friday) between Bishop Sutton, Chew Stoke and Chew Magna and Hengrove Park, Bristol Temple Meads, Haymarket near Broadmead/Bristol Bus Station, and the Centre.

The X91 launched on Monday, April 8. Journeys can be booked in advance - membership for the WESTlocal bus is open: https://forms.gle/jYiqjjv2gX5ngLey7.

The Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership created an ‘imaginarium’ to help people picture themselves experiencing the advantages of travelling on the new bus, at an event attended by Mayor Norris alongside B&NES Council, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, and other stakeholders.

The Imaginarium
The Imaginarium (PHOTO: Chris Head) (Chris Head)

At the pre-launch event, Mayor Dan Norris said: “I am really pleased to see the first WESTlocal bus, which is going into service and will be rolled out from April.

“Well done to the Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership for putting in the hard yards to bring WESTlocal to their area.

“I urge people to get on board– people using this new service will be the true measure of success.”

Elaine Workman, from Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership, said: “We are very excited by how much interest there is in this scheme, with 115 members already, pre-launch.This route isn't just for commuters but for anyone who could use a fast, cheap and reliable return journey to key destinations in Bristol.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg MP said: "This new bus service has the potential to make a big difference to those living in the Chew Valley and I am most impressed by the efforts of the local residents who have worked hard to make it happen."

Cllr Sarah Warren said: “It is so important that people in rural areas have practical, low-carbon alternatives to the car. B&NES will continue to champion the need for greater recognition of our rural areas through the Combined Authority's Bus Service Improvement Programme.”