ROAD WORKS by Vinetree and how it will AFFECT BUSES

 The 267 and x67 wont be going along Rodden road for the 8 week period of road works. Bus users needing to use Frome hospital are advised to use the stop in Berkley road by the Dentist.
If you use any bus in the Rodden road area I would suggest using stops in Berkley road or Frome market place or contact your bus operator to find out any changes to routes.

Somerset county councils cuts at a glance

N9 – Withdraw Saturday service
776 – Withdraw service
N10C – Withdraw service on non-college days
33 – Withdraw service
81 – Withdraw funding, service to remain potentially at lower frequency, however there may be some developer money available to maintain the current service and potentially improve it
40 – Withdraw SCC contribution to Saturday service
53/58 – Withdraw SCC contribution to Saturday service
99 – Reduce funding, service frequency to reduce between Chard and Yeovil as per consultation
668 – Minor timetable revision during contract retendering
25 – Withdraw existing arrangement and tender for a new Dulverton – Wiveliscombe service. Taunton to Wiveliscombe remains commercial
20 – Withdraw SCC contribution
22 – Withdraw SCC funding for college journey from Tiverton/Cullompton, operator confirm journey’s to continue on a commercial basis

113 – Withdraw service, however local operators have indicated they will divert existing services to cover most of service 113
16 – Withdraw funding, service to be operated commercially and extended to Yeovil
67 – Funding withdrawn, service unaffected
6 – Service has already become commercial

Regarding the concessionary fares scheme, the removal of the companion element and 0900 enhancement has been confirmed. The reduction in community transport discount from 50% to 25% has not been taken.

News about the buses Bill from parliment

"All companies will have to share information about routes, fares and timetables — paving the way for programmers to develop new apps passengers can use to plan their journeys.
Councils will not have to use the new powers and they may decide they are happy with the arrangements already in place. The reforms are designed to give them new tools to drive up standards in the interests of residents.
Local authorities will be given new powers to enter into stronger partnerships with bus companies, and agree minimum standards for services, improving reliability and punctuality.
They could make sure buses run more regularly, to avoid several being timetabled to arrive at once.
The new partnerships will also be given the power to set standards for local buses and introduce standard ticketing rules over wider areas, paving the way for Oyster-style schemes.
The government will also honour its devolution deal commitment to provide local authorities with bus franchising powers — like those used in London."
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-buses-bill-to-deliver-a-better-deal-for-the-public

Some good news at last for bus users

Some good news for Somerset! Well done Favbug and all other local campaigners in the area who are fighting so hard for vital local bus services.


Following the consultation and after considering the impact of any changes, the County Council is now proposing not to withdraw funding from the following services:
51 Stoke St. Gregory – Taunton. Saturday Services
414/424 Frome – Midsomer Norton. Saturday Services
669 Shepton Mallet – Street. Saturday Services
1 Yeovil – Shepton Mallet. Saturday Services
667 Wincanton – Street. Saturday Services
29 Street – Taunton. Monday-Saturday
38 Huish Episcopi extension. Monday-Friday.






Proposals to reduce a discretionary subsidy for free bus pass holders using community transport have been changed following a public consultation, Somerset County Council said today:
http://somersetnewsroom.com/…/council-listens-to-the-publi…/