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This means that those travelling from Winscombe and Sandford into Weston-super-Mare will be able to use the bus for work and college commitments for the first time since October 2022 when the 126 service was withdrawn by the commercial operator.
The 127 public bus service was financially supported by North Somerset Council as a school service from Wrington to Churchill Academy for a small number of students. However, the council recognises that this public bus resource would be better used to extend the 126-bus service.
All students with transport entitlement using the 127 service will be transferred to home-to-school transport services organised by the council from the start of term after the Easter Holidays from Monday 15 April. Affected parents and guardians of students attending Churchill Academy are informed by the council.
Bus network maps and detailed timetables for individual bus services are available to view online at travelwest.info.
Working in partnership to deliver the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority want to encourage everyone to ‘walk or wheel’ where possible, helping to reach a carbon neutral goal by 2030. When that’s not possible, bus travel is encouraged to be the first choice over car usage, helping to ease traffic congestion and creating a greener way to travel.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We want to connect our local communities with sustainable transport options. Reconnecting Winscombe and Sandford to Weston-super-Mare at peak times will give residents a real choice and reduce reliance on cars to access work, education and key services.
“With fares for single bus journeys capped at £2 until December 2024, it represents an opportunity to try a new way of travelling which eases congestion on our roads and helps to protect our environment.”
The council is committed to working with bus service operators so that local communities can be better connected to make North Somerset a better place to work, study and live.
More information on the Bus Improvement Service Plan can be found on the council website: Bus service improvement plan | North Somerset Council (n-somerset.gov.uk)