NEW bus routes and service improvements are launching in Somerset, North Somerset and the wider South West soon.
A further investment will support expanded services and improved connections across the South West and West of England, including new links between Bristol, Bath, and rural communities.
The changes, funded through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's (WECA) three-year bus grant from the Department for Transport, will come into effect from July 26.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: "Getting our region moving is one of our biggest priorities.
"Our investment in these routes and services means better buses for passengers across the West Country, and gives people certainty until at least spring 2029.
"Connecting our rural areas to towns and city centres and improving access to jobs, education and nature is essential in helping the West get out of the slow lane and improve sustainable travel options.
"At our meeting this month, local people rightly once again highlighted the need for renewed investment to connect communities.
"Building on the brilliant efforts of local people piloting some of these bus services and campaigners and councillors over the years, including in the Chew Valley and Thornbury, together we’re starting to build the kind of bus network that local people deserve."
The new and improved routes have been designed to improve connectivity in rural areas and enhance links to employment, education, and green spaces.
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Among the changes is the introduction of a new route connecting Bath and Bristol via the Chew Valley, as well as the reinstatement of services during university holidays for the U4 route.
The 100 bus, operating every hour, will run between Bath and Bristol, serving Timsbury, Farmborough, Bishop Sutton, and the Chew Valley.
The 101 will connect Bishop Sutton with Radstock, passing through Chew Magna, Paulton, and Midsomer Norton.
The X91 will link Ubley to Bristol via West Harptree, East Harptree, and Bishop Sutton, with a new extension to Dundry.
In Thornbury, the 65 will provide a town service connecting more neighbourhoods with the town centre, while the 25 in Bristol will be extended to Eastgate Shopping Centre and south to Southville.
Evening journeys are being added to several services, including the 9, 21, 31, and 41, which connect Park & Ride sites in Bristol and Bath.
A Keynsham town service, the K2, will link the Chocolate Quarter and town centre with South Keynsham neighbourhoods.
More services include the 768 between Writhlington, Radstock, Timsbury, and Bath, the Y8 from Yate to Wotton-under-Edge service, the 25 to connect Southville to Bristol City Centre, the Y2C between Cribbs Causeway and Yate, and more.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy council leader of Bath and North East Somerset; Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council; Councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council; Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, leader of South Gloucestershire Council; and Councillor Ian Boulton, co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said in a joint statement: "Buses are vital for connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and each other across our region.
"We’re really pleased to be delivering these improvements, which restore services to some communities for the first time in several years and reflect sustained work with local people to strengthen the network.
"From July, we’ll see new routes and improvements designed to provide better coverage and more reliable connections across the West of England.
"We recognise that not every change will work for everyone, but overall this is a significant step forward – helping more people access public transport and supporting a shift to more sustainable travel.
"We know there is more to do, and we will keep working with the Mayoral Combined Authority and bus operators to go further."
For passengers in areas not easily served by fixed routes, the WESTlink service offers flexible transport options via app or phone booking.
The service has recently seen a 15 per cent increase in passenger use following improvements to availability and journey times.
However, the P1 service between Backwell and Bristol will be withdrawn at the end of July due to low usage, averaging around 12 passengers per day and costing the authority more than £45 per journey per person.
