MP welcomes reinstatement of vital bus service

Taunton’s MP, Gideon Amos, has welcomed the news that Somerset Council has stepped in to fund the reinstatement of a vital morning bus service in the town.

The 6.22am bus from Wellsprings and Priorswood into the town centre will return from June 2nd.

It means staff at Musgrove Park Hospital will be able to get to their early shift, along with other people needing to catch early trains or reach their place of work.

Mr Amos - along with local councillors and Somerset Bus Partnership - have been campaigning for the return of the service.

The MP said: “I’m delighted the route has been reinstated after the bus partnership and I raised this face to face with First Bus managers. 

“Having the support of north Taunton’s Lib Dem councillors Liam Pollard, Tom Deakin and Lee Baker really helped make the case and showed the team working effectively together for our town. 

“We still need much better public transport and I’m disappointed that First Bus has reduced so many services recently.

“But my Lib Dem Somerset councillor colleagues have made a cracking start to turn things around. 

“In the last year or two they have saved the Park and Ride and made it viable again, extended the Wellington bus until midnight and rolled out brand new pollution free buses, all with sparse public funding available.

“Also, after the closure of Taunton Bus Station by the bus company, it’s great to know our councillors are working on reopening it. 

“What a contrast to the previous administration who proposed closing the Park and Ride altogether”.

David Northey, bus partnership spokesperson, added: “Thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign to restore this key service. It will be really appreciated by those who rely on it.

“The bus is funded until next Easter and Somerset Bus Partnership, along with local councillors, Somerset Council and First Bus will be helping to grow the business on this popular route”

He added: “The first bus will be waved off by Taunton’s Mayor, Cllr Martin Strauss, at the start of the journey and then travel into town with representatives from SBP to speak with passengers enroute.”

Cllr Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport on Somerset Council, said: ““Having listened to concerns raised, I am pleased to announce that we will be funding an early running of this important route.

“We feel it is vital that the patronage during this journey is maintained."