Major bus route changes across Somerset from Sunday

It follows an in-depth review of patronage and predicted changes in demand following the Covid pandemic.

The changes are as follows.

1 Taunton to Wellsprings & Priorswood.

New improved timetable with buses running up to every 20 minutes.

2 Taunton to Priorswood & Nerrols Farm.

There is a minor change to the route in Priorswood, where buses will run along Selworthy Road instead of Blackdown Road and Bircham Road to avoid parking problems caused by Lyngford Park Primary School. The new timetable sees buses running hourly during the day.

3 Taunton to Bishop's Hull

Somerset County Council will run this route from Monday (June 7). The new route will also serve Parkfield Drive, extending to Taunton rail station and Hudson Way with buses running hourly during the day.

4 Taunton to Lane Estate.

The route will run an anti-clockwise loop from Taunton, via Hamilton Road, to Orchard Way then continue as now serving Laxton Road, Roman Road, Wheatley Crescent to Taunton. The new timetable runs hourly during the day.

6 Taunton to Holway.

The route will run a clockwise loop from Taunton, via Lisieux Way, Normandy Drive, Lisieux Way, Chestnut Drive, Upper Holway Road, Lime Crescent, Holway Road, South Street then East Reach to Taunton town centre. This means that Chestnut Drive between Shoreditch Road and Upper Holway Road will no longer be served. The 99 still runs along Shoreditch Road and the 6 still serves Upper Holway Road. The new timetable runs up to every 30 mins.

7 Taunton to Galmington,

New timetable with minor changes during the week, and an improved service on Saturdays.

14 Bridgwater – Cannington.

The route will run between Bridgwater and Cannington via Durleigh Road and Alfoxton Road, replacing the B2. Between Bridgwater and Bridgwater Community Hospital the route is replaced by changes to B1. Buses to/from Shurton still run. The new timetable runs hourly during the day.

15 Minehead – Bridgwater.

No changes.

21 / 21A Taunton – Bridgwater – Burnham-on-Sea.

Minor changes to the timetable in the early mornings and evenings.

22 / 22A / X22 Taunton – Wellington – Tiverton.

Minor changes to the timetable on Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays buses will run up to every 20 mins.

Buses to/from Tiverton and Cullompton are renumbered X22.

25 Taunton – Dulverton.

Minor route change in Taunton, with buses serving the new rail station south side bus stop (once open) then using Trenchard Way to resume current route from Staplegrove Road. The new timetable sees some minor changes to when buses run.

28 Taunton – Minehead.

No changes.

29 Taunton – Glastonbury.

The route will change in Taunton to serve the new health centre, with buses running along Lisieux Way and Blackbrook Way instead of Hamilton Road. In Glastonbury, buses will run a new anti-clockwise loop from the Town Hall, along High Street and Bove Town to Windmill Hill, returning to the town centre via Windmill Hill Road, Monington Road, Selwood Road, Leg of Mutton Road and Wells Road. The 29 no longer serves Wells, but connections can be made at Glastonbury for the 77 or 376.

30 Taunton – Axminster.

The route will change in Taunton to serve the new health centre, with buses running along Lisieux Way and Blackbrook Way instead of Hamilton Road. There are minor changes to the timetable.

51 Abbey Manor Park – Yeovil – Lyde Road.

The route is amended at Abbey Manor Park and will extend to serve Thorne Lane and Larkhill Road before resuming normal route at Preston Road. The route is also amended at Lyde Road and will extend from Cavalier Way along Lyde Road Meadow Road, Hawthorn Road and St John’s Road. The new route replaces part of the current 53. The new timetable sees buses running every 30 mins during the day.

53 Wessex Road – Yeovil – Lyde Road.

The 53 is withdrawn and replaced in part by changes to the 51. The Highfield Road area will be served by a new Somerset County Council tendered route – full details will be available soon.

54 Taunton – Somerton – Yeovil.

Buses will run between Taunton and Somerton during the daytime, with an improved hourly timetable. Connections to/from Yeovil on route 77 will be guaranteed at Somerton. The peak-time direct bus between Yeovil and Taunton colleges will continue to run.

55 Taunton – Somerton – Glastonbury.

New route running via the 54 route between Taunton and Somerton, then extending to Glastonbury. This runs twice a day and serves Strode College on college days.

58 Yeovil – Wincanton.

No changes.

75 Bridgwater – Glastonbury.

In Glastonbury, buses will run a new anti-clockwise loop from the Town Hall, along High Street and Bove Town to Windmill Hill, returning to the town centre via Windmill Hill Road, Monington Road, Selwood Road, Leg of Mutton Road and Wells Road. Peak time college buses extend to/from Wells. The 75 no longer serves Wells during the day, but connections can be made at Glastonbury for the 77 or 376.

77 Wells – Somerton – Yeovil.

An improved hourly timetable will be introduced. At Somerton, connections can be made to/from Taunton on the 54.

99 Taunton – Chard.

Minor changes to the timetable.

B1 Wills Road – Bridgwater – King’s Down.

The route will be amended to serve King’s Down and Bridgwater Community Hospital. From Bridgwater bus station, buses will leave town via The Clink and Bath Road, then serve King’s Down and Bridgwater Community Hospital before continuing to Parkway, Westonzoyland Road and St John Street and Bridgwater bus station. There is no change to the route around Wills Road. The new timetable sees buses running hourly during the day.

B2 Bridgwater – Alfoxton Road.

The B2 is withdrawn and will be replaced by the 14 around Alfoxton Road and Durleigh Road, and by the B1 to King’s Down.

X10 Yeovil – Blanford Forum.

No changes.

X75 Wells – Bridgwater College.

Will continue to run until the end of term. From September, the 75 will be the main route between Wells and Bridgwater College.

CHECK HERE: The new timetables for buses in Taunton, Bridgwater, South Somerset and West Somerset.