New school links added to 101 bus route
The 101 bus service, one of several invested in by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), will be extended to serve two local secondary schools.
Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton and Writhlington School in Radstock will be serviced by the 101 route twice a day - in the morning and afternoon -helping children get to and from school from nearby towns and villages.
The route, operated by Abus, currently connects Chew Valley residents to Bishop Sutton, Chew Magna, Pensford, Midsomer Norton, and Radstock as well as providing a new link between Farrington Gurney and Paulton.
The new school stops will be introduced on Monday 7 September, when the new school term begins.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Getting our region moving is one of my biggest priorities. These new connections will make it easier for children and families to access education, giving young people a reliable and affordable way to travel to and from school in Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
“Building on the brilliant efforts of local people piloting some of these bus services and campaigners and councillors over the years, including the Chew Valley, together we’re starting to build the kind of bus network that the West of England deserves.”
Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, said:
“This is brilliant news for families in Midsomer Norton and Radstock. I have been working hard on this because I know how frustrating it has been for local families. I'm really pleased we've got a service that works, and children can get to school ready to learn, without starting their day on the back foot."
Councillor Fiona Gourley, cabinet project lead for Sustainable Rural Transport at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:
“We know how important local bus services are for rural communities, so we welcome this good news which will mean young people can get to and from school more easily. Reliable public transport is essential to keeping rural areas connected and helping residents with everyday journeys.”
Abus will be updating the timetable, including the additional stops, here: Abus Bristol Bus Services
The routes are funded by multi-million-pound investment from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s three-year Bus Grant from the Department for Transport. The further investment in services since July is improving connectivity for many rural communities and strengthening transport links to employment, education, and nature.
Better buses are a crucial part of the Transport Vision for the region shared by the Mayor and council leaders earlier this year, with a recent consultation to shape a new Bus Plan receiving more than 4,800 responses from across the West. Initial plans following that consultation were shared by the Mayor at the start of August.
Meanwhile, work continues at the Mayoral Combined Authority to assess options for how to take greater control of the region’s buses – including through different types of franchising.
More information, including on routes and bus timetables, can be found on TravelWEST.
