Demo planned 'as potential bus cuts are being looked at'
Buses of Somerset has been asked what will happen if council funding is reduced
Last updated 7th Feb 2024
Bus users in Somerset are planning a demo this weekend in Yeovil over potential cuts to services if council funding is withdrawn.
The exact details of the demo are due to be announced and it comes as Buses of Somerset say no final decision has been made on stopping the 54 service, which runs from Taunton to Yeovil and the 58 from Yeovil to Wincanton in April.
The 25 from Taunton to Dulverton and 28 from Taunton to Minehead could also see timetables reduced - if funding cuts were approved.
In December Somerset Council promoted free journeys on routes such as the 25 - as they warned services could be lost unless they were better used.
A trial started in September 2022 to get more people using the subsidised routes.
A spokesperson from Buses of Somerset, said: “We’re currently reviewing our entire network in Somerset, which we do twice a year in line with our Enhanced Partnership agreement with Somerset Council. Throughout this period, we’re working closely with Somerset Council, local councillors, and bus user groups on our plans for bus services.
“At today’s Bus Advisory Board with Somerset Council, we were asked to outline what our network could look like from April 2024 if the current funding we receive to support services 25, 28, 54 and 58 were to be withdrawn.
“It is important to note that no final decisions have been made yet on any of the four routes.
“Last July, Somerset Council agreed on a funding package that helped to bridge the gap between the operational costs and the revenue, and since then, this has allowed the four routes to remain as they are today. In that period, we’ve seen passenger growth but unfortunately, not to the extent that would negate the ongoing need for financial support.
“Somerset Council has been out to public consultation regarding their budget for 2024/25, and we have made it clear that ongoing funding is required to protect these bus routes.
“We understand the social value that these routes provide and the great job that our people do every day to keep people moving. Reducing or withdrawing routes is the last thing we want to do, but without ongoing support, this could be an outcome.
“The effect the pandemic has had on services, as well as rising costs due to inflationary pressures, has meant we have had to reassess all of our bus networks and can no longer operate bus services that are not at least covering the costs of operations.
“We remain committed to working with Somerset Council to find a solution and will meet again over the coming days. We understand how important these services are to people. A further update will be provided once we have clarity over the future of funding for these routes."
Somerset’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins said following the Advisory Board Meeting: “This is incredibly disappointing, especially after the efforts the council and communities have made to encourage bus use on these routes. However, we look forward to further meetings with the operator as soon as possible to try and find a way forward.”
“We simply do not have the extra Government funding to subsidise these routes beyond March. We do what we can with the money we’ve got.
“This year we will spend nearly £5.2 million on subsidising 76 routes across the county. Although there are no planned savings on bus subsidies for the next financial year, the council is under enormous financial pressure.”