'We need to use the bus more if we want to keep services running'
A trial, starting in Taunton, aims to tempt people across Somerset onto the bus
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
As fuel prices rise, there's a long term plan to offer reduced priced bus tickets across Somerset to help people get around.
In the next few weeks all bus fares in Taunton will be £1, as part of a trial - which started this week with the introduction of a £1 fare on the county town's park and ride.
Councillor Mike Rigby tells us if the trial goes well, they hope to include other parts of the county - if they can secure Government funding.
The Taunton park and ride had been free for the past year while work was taking place at the Creech Castle/Toneway junction - which yesterday was reopened
This month Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership are joining forces to encourage people to ‘BUS IT’.
A spokesperson said: "The campaign aims to highlight that with households under financial pressure buses have never been more relevant, offering a cheaper travel alternative and the chance to save on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, while at the same time protecting the environment by helping to cut congestion and reducing your carbon footprint.
"Following the withdrawal of the government’s Bus Recovery Grant, bus operators are currently weighing up the viability of routes in Somerset, and one of the key factors operators will use in assessing viability is the number of passengers on each route.
"Bus use in Somerset is slowly climbing again, but is currently at about 70 per cent of levels compared to pre-Covid. In particular, patronage among bus pass holders is lower than before.
"Many bus pass holders aren’t making the most of their free travel. Concessionary passes provide free off-peak travel to all users across Somerset and England
"The BUS IT campaign page carries information and links to operators so you can find out about ticket deals, including Buses of Somerset, which offers a range of competitive deals including for example a £100 ticket bundle of 20 day tickets – that’s unlimited travel for £5 per day. This is ideal for flexible working as the journeys can be used on any day and are valid for a year."
Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, said: "We need to make sure more people are using the bus to try and protect routes.
"The best way to do this is to use it and there are lots of compelling reasons why now more than ever it is a great alternative. Running a car is not just about what you put in your fuel tank, it is how much you have to spend on, parking, taxing, servicing and insuring your vehicle. Now’s the time to look at what you could be saving.
"By catching the bus, you can make a demonstrable difference to our environment and can save money and wear and tear on your car."
Peter Travis, Co-Chair of the Somerset Bus Partnership, which represents passengers, added: "Getting more people to BUS IT both helps bus operators keep their fares down and means bus users keep their bus services, so, it’s a win-win."