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Following the withdrawal of a number of commercially-operated bus services in the area, the council has awarded a new supported bus contract to Stagecoach West, and is offering passengers free travel on the service for the first week of operation.
From next Monday 25 April the new number 50 service will run hourly from early morning to early evening Monday to Saturday, in both directions between West Wick and Hutton.
The new service will run from 7am to 7.45pm, calling at Worle, Worlebury, Grove Park, Weston town centre, Uphill, Weston General Hospital and Bleadon, to cover the areas served by the 2, 4, 5 and 6 routes which are being withdrawn by First Bus on Sunday 24 April.
Cllr Don Davies, North Somerset Council's Leader and executive member for public transport, said: "Providing this service will enable members of our community to continue their journeys to access work, education, the hospital and other essential services.
"It will also provide a good connection to rail services from Weston town centre ensuring the continuation of sustainable travel options for many people.
"The new service will run initially for 18 months, with an option to extend depending on how popular it is. So, if bus travel is important to you - you need to use it or lose it.
"We’re offering free travel for the first week to encourage residents to give the new number 50 route a go and get back on the bus."
Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director at Stagecoach West, said: “We are very pleased to be able to step in and keep the local community connected. It’s great that customers can trial our service for free during the first week and we hope to welcome many customers on board.”
The timetable and route map for the new service 50 is available at www.travelwest.info along with all other locally-available routes.