First Bus in u-turn over Yatton cuts
Bus operator First has scaled back its plans to reduce bus services to Yatton following an outcry from residents and community leaders.
The transport giant announced proposals earlier this month to cut some services, meaning no buses to Bristol would leave the village for three hours during morning peak hours.
The changes, due to come into force on November 29, would have meant buses would only pick up at Top Scaur in the village at 6am and then again at 9.55am.
People needing to get into the city for work would either have to walk two miles to the neighbouring village of Congresbury to pick up a bus or drive into Bristol.
First blamed the cutbacks on low passenger numbers and said some of the routes were no longer viable.
The move sparked outcry from villagers who earlier this week packed a Yatton Parish Council meeting to voice their concerns at the plans.
Now, following mounting concerns among passengers and a face-to-face meeting between North Somerset Council deputy leader, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, and First bosses, the cuts have been scaled back.
The existing 0625 and 0705 journeys on the X1 service from Weston-super-Mare to Bristol will now be converted to a 351 service and call at Yatton and Claverham.
The changes will mean people who usually catch the 7.12am service from Top Scaur in the village will be able to pick up a service to get them into Bristol for 8am.
Mr Ap Rees said: "I understand that we are all facing difficult times but I asked First, in the interests of our communities, to reconsider.
"While it does not completely restore all the links that were lost, it does address several of our concerns."
2 Comments
by 2601, Claverham
Friday, November 13 2009, 8:53AM
“I gather another operator was on the verge of stepping in to offer an alternative service from Yatton North End to Bristol at similar times and cheaper fares. What a shame that isn't now possible. Cutting out three X1s in the morning and afternoon peak, and replacing them with 351s, surely jeopardises the "Greater Bristol Bus Network" even more!”
by Karen Baxter, PR Manager, First UK Bus, Bristol
Thursday, November 12 2009, 10:57AM
“Regarding the changes to the proposals, it is important to note that the revised plans will only be put into operation on 29 November if the Traffic Commissioner approves the amendments that have been made. We hope that this will happen, but it is not 100% guaranteed at this stage. For the latest information and to view timetables, log onto the First Bristol, Somerset & Avon website.”