Three bus services that were recently cut will welcome residents back on board later this month thanks to a temporary reprieve that will see £350,000 invested.
Following talks with the West of England Combined Authority, led by Dan Norris, a new operator, the Big Lemon group, has stepped in to run the 11 (to Bathampton), 12 (to Haycombe Cemetery) and 20 (University of Bath to Twerton) starting on Monday 28th November.
They will run for the next five months through to April.
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris will invest £350,000 until April, to keep the 11, 12 and 20 services running.
The latest news on the three Bath buses means all of the seven threatened bus cuts to ‘supported services’ like the 11, 12 and 20 have now been stopped.
However, Mr Norris has urged people to use these buses as the future is still challenging.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I know locals in Twerton, Bathampton and other areas of the city who rely on the bus will be pleased that we’ve managed to bring back these really important services.
“My thanks to the Big Lemon for taking them on. This is a temporary fix, but an important one. There will still be bumps along the way – we still need to sort out the issue of bus driver shortages and the other many, many challenges on the buses.
“In the meantime, I’d say to locals – if you value having these buses, make sure you use them – and therefore help secure their future.”
Big Lemon CEO Tom Druitt added: “We are delighted to be able to support the continuation of these supported bus services in Bath, as they are essential for so many people.
“The Big Lemon is a social enterprise based in Brighton focused on providing local community bus services using low emission and electric vehicles.
“We are dedicated to providing an excellent passenger experience on all our buses, our drivers in Brighton are famous for the friendly and helpful service they provide, and we are really looking forward to launching a service with the same ethos in Bath on the 28th November.”
The three routes were cut in October, when bus company First withdrew from their contract.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, commented: “I have been working closely with my Lib Dem Councillor colleagues, and with Bath and North East Somerset staff on a plan to restore our vital bus services.
“We have been lobbying WECA very hard on our residents’ behalf. It’s taken a lot of work behind the scenes, but happily we can now announce that the Big Lemon is planning to pick up the number 11, 12 and 20 routes.
“The new Bath routes are already live on The Big Lemon website and have been registered with the Transport Commissioner.
“I understand the company are still procuring vehicles and we’re keeping everything crossed for a grand launch on 28 November.
“I am very much aware that other communities are still suffering from bus service cuts, particularly those previously served by routes 178 and 42, which are not included in this arrangement with The Big Lemon.
“We will continue to pursue all avenues for the return of those routes as well.”
Lansdown Councillor Lucy Hodge commented: “The number 20 bus is an essential service, which allows employees, volunteers, visitors and patients easy access to the RUH as well as the city centre.
“It is also much used by students in the more affordable rental accommodation off Julian Road, for access to the University.
“I am very relieved to hear that this service has been saved and congratulate B&NES Cabinet and officers on their hard work leading to this very welcome result.
“The Lib Dems have been fighting for months to save local bus services. We have said from the start that without a reliable, comprehensive and affordable bus service, people will be cut off from shops, services, leisure, employment and education.”
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse commented: “I am delighted to hear that these bus routes will be serving Bath again. So many have worked tirelessly to protect these routes and I am so glad more people will be able to get out and about as a result.
“Moving forward, it is imperative that other cancelled routes are considered too. It is vital that everyone in our local community has easy access to public transport.”