Bus operator First West of England is once again making changes to services in Bath as students begin to return to schools and colleges in the area.
Services are currently reviewed on a regular basis to provide locals with punctual services operating along journeys where customer demand is highest.
Among the key changes to timetables and operating services is the reintroduction of a number of schools-only services and the adjustment of some timetables to accommodate increased customer demand, especially around peak times.
James Freeman, Managing Director of First West of England, said: “We are regularly monitoring what is needed to get our customers moving safely and reliably.
“At the start of the last national lockdown we reviewed the number of schools-only services operating to better reflect the reduced demand along these journeys.
“Now, as restrictions start to change with the Government’s roadmap to recovery, we are reintroducing many of our schools services to support young people who will be returning to school, college or university.”
Where a service has ‘s’ after the service number, these buses are schools-only services and can be filled to the normal seating capacity.
Members of the public are unable to use these services as they are for schools and colleges only.
James added: “We remind all customers that it is a legal requirement to wear a face covering when travelling by public transport, unless you fall within the Government’s specified exemptions and everyone should adhere to this to help protect each other.
“Social distancing measures remain in place on all services that are not ‘closed’ schools-only services. We also encourage customers to take advantage of contactless payment if possible, to make boarding faster and safer.
“We’d like to thank all our customers for their ongoing patience and co-operation.”
Changes in Bath from Monday 8th March
Service U1 (University of Bath)
- Service U1 will operate at an increased frequency during the main part of the day Monday to Friday, increasing from every 30 minutes to every 10 minutes.
- There are no changes to the timetable on Saturday or Sunday.
Service U5 (Bath City Centre – Bath Spa University)
- Service U5 will operate at an increased frequency during the main part of the day Monday to Friday, increasing from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes. The evening frequency Monday to Friday will also be increased from every 60 minutes to every 20 minutes.
- There are no changes to the timetable on Saturday or Sunday.
Service 3s (Bathford School – Hayesfield School)
- Service 3s will be reinstated with a journey operating from Bathford, School (0737) to Hayesfield School (0816).
Service 20s (Bath Circular/Ralph Allen School Bus)
- Service 20s will be reinstated with a journey operating from Dorchester Street (0810) to Ralph Allen School (0825), and a journey from Ralph Allen School (1525) to Dorchester Street (1540).
Service 41 (Odd Down Park and Ride)
- There will be two additional journeys operating on Service 41 from Ambury (0828) to Odd Down Park and Ride (0838), and a journey from Odd Down Park and Ride (1514) to Ambury (1524).
Service 42 (Odd Down Park & Ride – Royal United Hospital)
- There will be two additional journeys operating on Service 42. From Royal United Hospital (0758) to Odd Down Park and Ride (0818), and a journey from Odd Down Park and Ride (1514) to Royal United Hospital (1534).
Service 172 (Paulton – Bath)
- There will be additional journeys operating on Service 172 from Bath Bus Station to Mendip Gardens. These will operate during the morning and afternoons to reflect the school and college start and finish times. Customers are advised to check timetables carefully prior to travelling.
Service D1s (Bath – Salisbury)
- Service D1s will operate a number of school journeys during the weekday mornings and afternoons to and from Kingdown School and Trowbridge College. Customers are advised to check timetables carefully prior to travelling.
Services D2 & D2s (Bath – Frome)
- There will be additional journeys operating on Service D2 connecting Frome, Sainsbury’s and Bath Bus Station. Customers are advised to check timetables carefully prior to travelling.
- Service D2s will be reinstated with a journey operating from Frome, Sainsbury’s (0703) to Bath Bus Station (0810), and a journey from Bath Bus Station (1538) to Frome, Market Place (1630).
Oldfield School Services OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4, OS5
- Service OS1/OS2 journeys will continue to operate.
- From Wednesday 10th March, 2021 Service OS3 will be reinstated with a journey from Kingswood, Kings Chase Centre (0732) to Oldfield School (0800), and a journey from Oldfield School (1455) to Kingswood, Cecil Road (1529).
- From Tuesday 9th March 2021, Service OS4 will be reinstated with a journey from Kingswood, Kings Chase Centre (0850) to Oldfield School (0920), and a journey from Oldfield School (1605) to Kingswood, Cecil Road (1639).
- From Tuesday 9th March 2021, Service OS5 reinstated with a journey from Longwell Green, The Crown (0854) to Oldfield School (0906), and a journey from Oldfield School (1605) to Bitton, Cherry Garden Road (1615).
