Funding has been restored for an “invaluable” rural bus serving villages along the Avon between Bath and Trowbridge.
The future of the 94 bus has been at risk since half of its funding was cut in 2022, prompting concerns the bus would be axed.
Now Bath & North East Somerset Council has said it has secured the funding to keep the bus going.
Local councillor Fiona Gourley (Bathavon South, Liberal Democrats), said: “I would like to thank everyone who joined me to lobby so hard for this vital service.
“Over 1300 people signed my rural bus petition, including many along the route of the 94. I have heard from so many people, including elderly residents ringing in tears, desperately worried about the loss of their buses, and the negative impact on their lives.”
Julian Carpenter, who is responsible for highways and transport on Freshford Parish Council said: “Parish councillors and residents have campaigned to keep the 94 bus running and we are delighted to hear that it will continue to serve the village.”
The 94 runs between Bath and Trowbridge via Claverton Town, Monkton Combe School, Limpley Stoke (a Wiltshire exclave across the Avon), Freshford, and into Wiltshire proper to Westwood and Trowbridge.
Because of its border hopping route, the cost of running the bus had been funded on a 50/50 basis by Wiltshire Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Bath & North East Somerset Council does not commission buses directly as the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which it is a member of, is the transport authority for its area.
But last year, a bitter row between the council and WECA over who should pay for supported buses in the area saw most bus routes in rural North East Somerset axed.
The 94 lost half its funding but, while other buses stopped running, Wiltshire Council stepped up their funding to cover the entire cost of the bus.
Speaking in July 2023, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport Caroline Thomas urged WECA Metro Mayor Dan Norrs to restore its funding, warning: “We are unable to sustain this for much longer given the extent of financial pressures across the entire network in Wiltshire.”
Speaking this week, Ms Gourley said: “I am relieved that Bath and North East Somerset Council has secured the funding and thank Wiltshire Council for their patience in continuing to keep the service running.
“Now we need to restore regular rural public transport to the rest of North East Somerset, using some of the £57m that WECA has for public transport.”
Chair of Monkton Combe Parish Council, Des Wighton, said: “Residents and workers use this service to get into Bath and Trowbridge.
“It is invaluable, and now it is secure, we will work closely with communities along the route to encourage more people to use the 94 as this is better for the environment, the economy, and their health.”
Ms Carpenter added: “For some Freshford residents the 94 bus is an essential service with no alternative options – whether that’s for getting to school, college, work, or appointments. It’s a lifeline for some in the village and a vital community amenity.”
The news comes shortly after the North East Somerset village of Paulton, which lost its beloved 82 bus in the cuts, also recently secured funding to bring a new bus to the village, the first scheme to be funded from WECA’s WESTlocal scheme.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
