A Somerset MP has described a recent boost to bus service funding as “much less than was needed”. 

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, welcomed the additional funding but highlighted the need for more due to Somerset’s poorly rated bus services.  

He spoke in response to the government’s decision to provide an extra £1 billion in bus service funding across the country, part of a “once-in-a-generation reform” aimed at improving services, protecting vital routes, and keeping fares down. 

Somerset County Council will benefit from a £6,849,770 investment over the 2025 to 2026 financial year. 

In a question to the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, on Monday, Amos described the support as “much less than was needed”, particularly as Somerset has been rated as having “the worst county bus service in the country.” 

However, he added: “I particularly welcome the ending of the lottery that sets one community against another. 

Somerset Council has also welcomed the much-needed support but said there is “some way to go” to address the imbalance of public transport services for “rural areas”.  

“This is positive news in terms of supporting our aims to improve bus provision in Somerset,” a statement from the council said.  

“In broad terms whilst it appears to be a fairer allocation, there’s still some way to go in terms of addressing the balance for public transport deprived rural areas.   

“We are awaiting full detail on the funding from the Department for Transport. Once we have this information the Council can look at how funding could be used to maximum effect.” 

The DfT acknowledged that “services have consistently suffered” due to “complicated and inconsistent funding which have ultimately impacted the passenger”.   

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “The value of regular and reliable bus services cannot be understated.       

“For far too long, the South West has been suffering from unreliable services with buses hugely delayed, or not even turning up at all.        

“This funding kickstarts the bus revolution to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services, drive economic growth and make sure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities.      

“We’ve already committed over £150 million to extend the bus fare cap and keep fares low and this nearly £1billion of further funding will mean local routes are protected, reliability is improved and the passenger is put first.”