Somerset politicians react as four bus services are saved

First Bus South, which operates Buses of Somerset, had threatened to withdraw the 25, 28, 54 and 58 services across the county due to low passengers numbers.

Somerset Council stepped in during the autumn of 2023, using central government funding to keep the four routes running, and began a campaign to drive up passengers numbers as part of its wider bus service improvement plan (BSIP).

The council and First Bus South have now reached an agreement which will allow all four services (with some alterations) to continue until March 31, 2025.

A petition to save the 54 route – organised by Ilchester and District Community Association secretary Rachel Binns – was presented to the full council when it met in Bridgwater on Tuesday (February) to set its annual budget.

Councillor John Bailey, speaking on Ms. Binns’ behalf, said: “All GP patients from Ilchester and the surrounding villages are now required to travel to Somerton.

“Many of these people could be vulnerable and without bus access it could lead to significant care costs further down the line.

“I have been told that at some times there is standing room only on the bus.

“A group has been meeting to extend the 54 to Yeovilton and tap into the potential business of more than 4,000 people on the naval base.

“The future looks bright for the 54 both as a local public service and as a commercial viable public transport system for the future.”

Lib Dem councillor Adam Dance at a rally to protect Somerset bus services. (Image: Yeovil Lib Dems)

Under the agreement, the 25 and 54 will continue to be subsidised through BSIP funding, provided by the council, while Buses of Somerset will run the 28 and 58 services without further subsidy.

There will be no changes to the 54 (which runs between Yeovil and Taunton via Ilchester, Somerton and Langport), the 58 (which runs between Yeovil and Wincanton via Sherborne) or the 58A (which follows the same route but also includes Templecombe).

The 25 (which runs from Dulverton to Taunton via Wiveliscombe) will continue to serve all points on the route, but to increase viability some daytime journeys will divert onto the 28 route through Cotford St Luke and Norton Fitzwarren (under the 28A label).

The 28 (which runs between Taunton and Minehead via Williton and Watchet) will operated on a revised timetable to closer align with train journeys to and from Taunton railway station in the evenings.

Additionally, an X28 express service will be introduced to transport passengers directly between Taunton railway station and Butlin’s in Minehead during weekdays.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said he hoped these services would all become commercially viable in the near-future to reduce the need for further subsidy.

Mr Wilkins – whose Curry Rivel and Langport division is served by the 54 service – said: “We’re really pleased to be able to make this announcement after long and detailed negotiations.

“We know how important these services are for people and we’ve recently seen the strength of feeling around ensuring they are protected.

“Passenger numbers have been rising, which is positive, this trend still needs to continue to ensure the long-term future of the routes.

“The message to everyone is please do keep using and valuing these services, and we will continue to work with Buses of Somerset and Somerset Bus Partnership to promote bus travel.”

James Eustace, commercial director at First Bus South, added: “Reducing or withdrawing services is the last thing we want to do, so we’re delighted to have found a solution with the council that allows the four routes to continue to run.

“While running these services remains commercially challenging, we understand how valued the services are, which is why we’ve agreed to support the local community and continue to run the 28 and 58 routes without financial assistance.

“However, we need to be clear that for buses services to continue operating in the long term they need to continually be commercially sustainable and cover their cost of operations.

“We will continue to work closely with the council and Somerset bus user groups to encourage more people to use the bus.”

The news of the routes’ safeguarding has been welcomed by local MPs and parliamentary candidates.

Sarah Dyke, the Lib Dem MP for Somerton and Frome, said: “I’m delighted that the council and First Bus South have reached an agreement on these services. They provide a vital lifeline to many of my constituents and the news that they were at risk was extremely worrying.

“I’m passionate about the need for good public transport links in rural areas, to allow people to access education, work and local services without having to rely on a car, and I’ve been working hard to keep these services running

“In order for the buses to be viable in the long term, we need to increase passenger numbers. Somerset Council and Buses of Somerset will continue promoting these services, but we can all do our bit by hopping on them whenever we can.

“I’m looking forward to leaving my car at home later this week and catching the 54.”

Ian Liddell-Grainger has thanked council leader Bill Revans for working to protect the services. (Image: UK Parliament)

Ian Liddell-Grainger, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, said: “The thought of losing the services or seeing them massively reduced for lack of funding support had appalled thousands of local people.

“I am immensely grateful for the huge efforts that council leader Bill Revans in particular has devoted to this issue in a period when there are so many other calls on his time.

“Those services are a real lifeline for people needing to get into Taunton for college, or medical appointments, or to catch trains, and the consequences of losing them would have been unimaginable.

“I am absolutely delighted at this outcome and I would only urge those many, many people who campaigned against the cuts to start taking the bus more often as the best possible method of showing their true support for the services.”

Gideon Amos, the Lib Dems’ candidate for the new Taunton and Wellington constituency, said: “I’m absolutely delighted these key routes will now not only be saved but improved to better serve Norton Fitzwarren and other villages, all thanks to our Lib Dem team at County Hall.

“Quite frankly after the government has cut funding for social care by 60 per cent, leaving the council’s budget reeling, it’s impressive that Richard Wilkins and his team have pulled off such a successful negotiation with the private bus operator, especially when the council is allowed no direct control over them.”

Adam Dance, the Lib Dems’ candidate for Yeovil, attended a rally against scrapping the 54 and 58 services on February 10.

He said: “The council is in a very tricky position financially and so it is a great achievement that these bus routes have been saved.

“The residents of Yeovil, Wincanton and surrounding areas will be relieved that their bus service will continue. We all have a role to play in supporting our bus services by using them when appropriate.”