A “lifeline” bus service cancelled by First West of England will be taken over by new operators, after a grassroots campaign to save it backed by the Metro Mayor. The 178 service was due to be withdrawn on October 8, with First citing low passenger usage and driver shortages as reasons for the cut.
A petition to save the route – which connects the villages of High Littleton, Farmborough, Timsbury, Marksbury and Keynsham with both Bristol and Bath – attracted over 1,100 signatures. Campaigners attended public meetings and appealed for First bosses to reconsider, but the transport company confirmed its decision last week.
A replacement service, the 379, is set to connect the two cities via the A37 – a route which would not include the rural communities. Readers have told Bristol Live that they have lost jobs over the cancellation, as they could no longer get to work.
