The number 13 Bathford to Foxhill First bus will continue to serve the community of South Stoke following intervention by local Councillor Neil Butters.
First Bus had been planning to re-route the service to skip the stops at the Cross Keys public house. However, Councillor Butters and other residents protested to the Managing Director and to the Council public transport team.
Councillor Neil Butters (Bathavon South) commented: “I am delighted that First Bus has agreed that the 13 bus will continue to serve the Cross Keys junction stops.
“These changes would have represented a two-thirds reduction – compared to a year ago – in the number of buses available to South Stoke residents and those living immediately beside the Cross Keys junction.
“Given that the stops at Cross Keys junction have recently been upgraded with investment in a brand new bus shelter and real time information displays shortly to be installed; it would have made little sense to reduce the service.
“This particular bus route is a lifeline for local residents as it provides a direct link to the city centre including the bus and railway stations.”
Councillor Cherry Beath (Combe Down) said: “Forthcoming developments – such as the Curo scheme to redevelop the nearby Foxhill MoD site – mean that the local community is set to grow and a good bus service will be needed. I am glad that First Bus agreed to preserve our current service.”
Local Liberal Democrat campaigner, Wera Hobhouse added: “Recent pressure from our Liberal Democrat-run Council and passengers has resulted in welcome changes to bus fares in Bath, including discounted fares for children and young people and flat fares tickets for adults.
“Hopefully, this will help encourage more people to use local buses, making more services commercially viable and leading to further improvements.”
