LOCAL bus services in Paulton, Radstock, Welton and Midsomer Norton have been included in a wider rollout of new digital information screens aimed at improving passenger information.

These improvements followed a period of wider changes to bus services across the West, including the introduction of 129 new green buses, with a further 160 scheduled to arrive, the return of the Kids Go Free scheme over the Christmas school holidays, and the rollout of around 150 new information screens, with another 100 installed in the month.

The investment in new technology, using some of the Bus Grant secured from the UK government’s Department for Transport by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, will see over 250 new and upgraded information screens installed in total.

This includes 225 upgraded Real Time Information (RTI) screens at bus stops and stations, featuring improved colour displays for service information. Among these, 18 screens have been installed to replace old displays at Bristol Bus & Coach Station.

In addition, 21 ‘e-paper’ digital displays have replaced conventional printed timetables at locations across the region, from Ashton Gate to Wick and Patchway to Peasedown St John.

Ten indoor information screens have been installed in local hospitals and other key public spaces, including Bath Bus Station, Bath Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), Bristol Parkway Station, Southmead Hospital, and Weston General Hospital.

Finally, three new solar-powered screens have been installed at bus stops, providing real-time information without the need for mains electricity.

Over half of these screens have now been installed, with the remainder due to be in place by the end of January.

Cllr Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: "Our latest £1-million improvements for bus passengers add to the start of a bright new chapter for transport in the West. New night services and new green buses are rolling out, with many more on the way; more train stations are being built; and we’ve secured further record transport investment for the coming years. In 2026, these new screens are another sign of what’s to come: better buses that are easier to use.”

New information screens have already been installed at a number of local bus stops. In Midsomer Norton, passengers can now use the upgraded screens at The Hollies and the Town Hall. In Paulton, screens have been installed at Paper Lane and the War Memorial, while Peasedown St John has received screens at Braysdown Lane, Keel's Hill, and Red Post. Radstock now has upgraded screens at Victoria Hall, and Westfield passengers can access real-time information at Westfield Chapel.

Deputy mayor and leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Kevin Guy, said:“Real time, reliable information is what passengers tell us they value as a priority. By upgrading screens at key bus stops, hospitals and transport hubs across Bath and North East Somerset – from Whitchurch to Westfield and Bathampton to Bishop Sutton – this funding will make buses simpler to use and help more people get to work, school, universities, appointments and nights out without needing to drive.”