Bristol, Bath and the West

Bath Bus Network Review

Following a recent review of bus services in Bath, which looked at the type and frequency of journeys made by customers in the city, a number of changes to the bus network are being made.

The changes, which come into effect on Sunday 10 May, vary in scale: in some places the timetables are being altered slightly with some underused early morning runs being taken out of the schedules, whilst in other places the frequency of some buses is being slightly reduced. The biggest change affects Service 20/ 20C: from 10 May First will cease to operate this service, which is currently part commercial, part tendered. We understand, however, that BANES council will ask other operators in the area to tender for a replacement service.

Justin Davies, Managing Director of First in Somerset and Avon, explains: "We have looked carefully at the bus network in Bath and the types of journeys people make. This information has helped us build a picture of how people travel in the city and its helped us redesign the network to tally with how it is actually used.

"In this tougher economic climate its important that we best match the resources we have available to the needs of our customers. Where routes or specific services arent used by enough people, they have been cut so that we are able to focus on the ones that are.

"We understand that these changes wont please everyone, but we have done what we can to minimise the impact of them for the majority of people. We have written to key stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of what is happening and the alternatives available to them. We have also offered to meet with key groups to provide additional advice and information as necessary.

"Thankfully customers have plenty of time to get used to changes being made, as they do not come into effect until Sunday 10 May. In the meantime, information will be made available on buses and our staff in the travel shops will be happy to help people plan their future journeys.'

Significant changes to the Bath bus network are as follows (from 10 May)

Service 2, which runs between Combe Down and Ensleigh, will lose two under-used early morning services, specifically the 0642 (From Combe Down to Bus Station, Monday to Friday) and 0732 (From Combe Down to Ensleigh on Saturdays) The times of two other journeys will be changing and they will depart from Milsom Street from 10 May.
Service 7, which runs between Larkhall and the city centre, will lose two under-used early morning services Monday to Friday, specifically the 0623 and 0644 (from Larkhall to the Bus Station). Services will now commence at 0705 from Larkhall.
Service 13, which runs from Foxhill to Bathford, will lose four under-used early morning Saturday services, specifically the 0653, the 0708 and the 0723 services from the bus station to Elmhurst, and the 0743 from Foxhill to Elmhurst. From 10 May, the first service from the bus station towards Elmhurst and Bathford will leave at 0750.
Service 14: the frequency of buses (between the Bus Station and Weston) is changing on Saturdays between 0900 to 1400 hours, buses will now run every 15 minutes. The rest of the timetable remains unchanged with services running regularly (every 15 minutes) throughout the day connecting Odd Down and Weston.
Service X39: on Saturdays the frequency of the service, which connects Bristol and Bath, between 1600 and 1800 hours will be reduced slightly. Buses will run every 15 minutes (was every 12 minutes)
Service 20A /20C: from 10 May, First will cease to operate this service, which is currently part commercial, part tendered. We understand, however, that BANES council will ask other operators in the area to tender for a replacement service. Alternative First bus services will also be available for many customers living along the route. Specific information has been provided to students from Ralph Allen School who may currently travel from Twerton, Whiteway, Weston and Oldfield Park using the service.

Justin Davies adds: "We will closely monitor the outcome of these changes taking any actions deemed necessary as a result, but we firmly believe that they are necessary, helping match our current resources with existing demand.'

The changes to the bus network were registered on Wednesday 11 March. Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) were consulted prior to this, and ways to reduce the impact on residents were discussed in depth. All other key stakeholders have been informed of the changes to local bus services.