Image
Starting from 8 April 2024, operator Transpora Bus will take over the X10, expanding its current offering to link communities to Southmead Hospital.
The hours of operation will also be extended to cover both morning and evening peak times to allow residents in North Somerset consistent access to work, shops, or medical care in Bristol.
Journeys will run between 7am and 7.05pm costing a maximum of £2 each way.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “I’m delighted that the X10 will not only continue to run but will now offer residents an easier and more cost-effective way to get to Southmead Hospital direct from Clevedon and Portishead. It’s also great to welcome new operator Transpora to North Somerset - their investment in our local network has reduced the need for the council to subsidise this service.
“I hope regular passengers will continue to use the X10 and that many more will try this updated service, which is part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan to connect people and services.”
New bus network maps and detailed timetables for individual bus services are available to view online at travelwest.info. This will be updated shortly to show the new X10 route from April.
Passengers can also search Transpora Bus South West on social media to find journey information about updates or delays.
Simon Newport, Head of Commercial at Transpora Group said: "Our hope is that the extended journey times will give passengers better opportunities for essential and leisure focused travel."
Ian Bell General Manager of Transpora Bus South said: "The X10 not only provides direct travel to Cribbs Causeway and Southmead Hospital, but it also provides north Bristol residents with the opportunity for a day out in Portishead and Clevedon. We are really looking forward to working with North Somerset Council to make this service a success.”
North Somerset Council is supporting the X10 service as part of the region’s Bus Improvement Service Plan (BSIP). Working in partnership, North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority want to encourage everyone to ‘walk or wheel’ where possible, helping reach their carbon neutral goal by 2030. When that’s not possible, they want bus travel to be the first choice over car usage, helping ease traffic congestion and creating a greener way to travel.
The X10 bus service resumed in June 2023 after customers called for its return. The council is committed to work with bus operators to improve services in the area and monitors routes, services and passenger usage to request any changes from operators each April and September.
Heather Toms, volunteer Bus Champion regularly using the service, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the trial run of the X10 was successful enough to continue the service. I want to express my thanks to all the passengers over the year, that rallied to my “use it or lose it” call. There were a few teething problems at first, but my hope is that the new provider, Transpora, will do us all proud, and provide us with a service that, first and foremost, is reliable. Here’s to a successful re-launch of a popular bus service!”
Bus Champions are volunteers who advocate for North Somerset’s bus services, receiving news and information about events or consultations. Email bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk for more information.
There is also still time for passengers with birthdays from March to July to apply for free travel during their birthday month – apply online at www.birthdaybus.co.uk. This offer is running until 31 July 2024.
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)