Calling concerned users of bus services through Glastonbury

Further to our recent article about proposed Somerset County Council and First Bus cuts to our local bus services, which will affect many travellers in the Glastonbury area it appears that out of hours bus travel will become almost totally impossible.

If the proposals get the go ahead, from the 17th April the last bus back from Bristol Templemeads Railway Station to Glastonbury will be at 7.27pm, while in the opposite direction the last bus to Bristol will leave the Town Hall shortly before 7pm. Additionally they will not run on Bank Holidays.  Meanwhile there will be no off-peak services running between Glastonbury and Taunton.  Glastonbury is a tourist town, and many visitors arrive in the evening, so if all the buses are cut at that time of day it could have a significant impact on visitor numbers to the town, 

As we face uncertain times with regards to our local transport infrastructure, somewhat gallingly John Penrose UK Tourism Minister and MP for nearby Weston-Super-Mare has recently announced the launch of a £70million 'showcase bus route' scheme involving 10 different routes, the first of these, which runs between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare was launched on 15th March.  Millions have been spent on improvements along the A370 route including upgrades to bus stops, 81 new shelters, 27 real time information boards and intelligent traffic signals.  Meanwhile First bus have spent £20million on new buses for these routes.

If you will be adversely affected by the proposed cuts or care about what this will mean for others who rely on a reliable service, there will be a meeting tomorrow night Monday 28th March at 7.00pm at the Blue Cedar Cafe.

Meanwhile a breakdown of the reduction in services can be viewed on the Somerset County Council website here.