Minibus services cut back due to reduced funding

A bookable minibus scheme has scaled back the frequency of its service due to reduced funding.

The WESTlink minibus service, which runs in North Somerset, now operates from Monday to Friday only, between 09:00 and 14:00, and fares have risen from £2 to £3 per journey.

The changes to the scheme, which is run by the West of England Combined Authority, came into effect on Sunday as part of wider updates to the local bus network.

Councillor Hugh Malyan, cabinet member for highways and transport at North Somerset Council, said without the adjustments the service would "not be financially sustainable in the long term".

The service, which was introduced in 2023, used to be available from 07:00-19:00 Monday to Saturday.

Passengers can buy a £7 multi-operator day ticket which allows onward travel on other bus services.

Concessionary bus pass holders continue to travel for free. Children under five can travel free, but there will no longer be discounted fares for older children.

Up until March, the scheme was funded by the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan. It will now be funded through a three-year Bus Grant from the Department for Transport.

To reduce overlap on existing buses, WESTlink will operate in the following areas:

• Clevedon and Portishead
• Nailsea, Backwell and Long Ashton
• Weston rural
• Wrington
• Yatton shared
• Airport shared

The following areas will no longer be served by WESTlink, as they are covered by existing bus routes:

• Pill (service X4)
• Tickenham (services A2, X6/X6a and X11)
• Banwell, Sandford and Winscombe (services 125, 126 and U2)
• Worlebury (service 9)
• Avonmouth can no longer be travelled to from North Somerset but is still accessible within the Bristol north zone.

Anyone who has been using WESTlink to travel to schools or colleges is encouraged to contact their education provider for advice on alternative travel support.

"We understand that these changes will be concerning for residents who rely on WESTlink, particularly those who have come to depend on it for daily journeys," said Malyan.

"However, the reality is that without making these adjustments, the service would not be financially sustainable in the long term.

"By focusing resources where they are most needed and reducing duplication with existing bus routes, we're working to protect a core service for the future while continuing to support people in finding alternative travel options."

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