REGIONAL community-run bus service WESTlocal are set to are set to see a range of improvements to be made to connect more people in the local area to public transport.

Following feedback from passengers and the local community, Keynsham Town Council is working with the Mayoral Combined Authority to explore adding a new stop to the K1 route to serve Tesco.

Changes will come into effect from September, including:

  • X91: A new Saturday service including evening journeys and an extra daytime round trip journey
  • 40: Offering people in Avonmouth direct connections to Cribbs Causeway
  • 61: Connecting people in St Annes and The Dings to Sainsbury’s Castle Court/Arnos Vale
  • 99: Improved frequency and simplification of the route following passenger feedback
  • 532: Updated route to connect to Longwell Green, after local surveys indicated increased demand

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: “Communities know their buses backwards, particularly when they’re involved in running those routes. I know how important bus services are for local people, particularly in the more rural areas of our region.

“This raft of improvements to WESTlocal will connect more people to local services and amenities by bus, starting to make a difference that people can see and feel when getting around the West.”

Jackie Head, Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership for the 99 and X91, said: “We are delighted that these change requests will allow local people to get what they have asked for; a simpler 99 route and more options for coming into the chew valley and travelling to Bristol on the X91.”

Kate Royston, SevernNet, said: “We welcome the opportunity to extend our community led Route 40 service to connect Avonmouth with Cribbs Causeway regularly through the day – Monday to Friday.

“As a community led service we’re addressing the feedback we’ve received and look forward to the community’s patronage!”