A number of bus routes in Bath that were cut last month have begun operating again after Brighton-based The Big Lemon took over their running.
Cllrs Sarah Warren and Kevin Guy with The Big Lemon Operations Manager Colin Morris | Photo © B&NES Lib Dems
Local councillors have welcomed the restoration of the three bus routes, which span the city.
Services 11 and 12 link Bath Bus Station to Bathampton and Haycombe Cemetery, and route 20 links the University of Bath with Twerton, the centre, the RUH, lower Lansdown and Weston.
The routes had been cut in October when First West of England withdrew from their contract and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) did not find an alternative operator.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, commented: “I am delighted to welcome The Big Lemon buses to Bath.
“Many residents absolutely rely on buses to access key services, such as education and healthcare, so it’s great news these routes have been restored.
“It took a lot of work behind the scenes to find a new company to take these on and I am very grateful to the staff in our public transport department.
“The number 11 bus is an absolutely vital service for children from Bathampton to get to secondary schools each day.
“With this service restored, they can catch the 11 from the centre of the village into town and walk on, or else change service for schools in the south of the city, without having to hang around in the dark early mornings.
“We need more and better bus services across B&NES. Unfortunately, B&NES Council has no direct control over privatised bus services, but the Lib Dems will continue to campaign for better buses and lobby the West of England Combined authority to restore and improve routes.”
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 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 added: “I am delighted to hear that these bus routes are 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.”
