A petition to save a bus route set to be axed next month, cutting off several villages from regular transport links with Bristol, has received almost 1,000 signatures in five days. Set up by former bus driver Philip Smith, it urges First West of England not to phase out the 178 service connecting High Littleton, Farmborough, Timsbury and Marksbury to the city centre.
The service will end on 8 October, along with nine other routes abolished by First West of England to focus on “more reliable services” in the face of falling customer demand and a regional shortage of drivers. But this move has raised many objections from rural residents who say it will isolate them from work, friends, family and urban amenities.
“This will prevent school children getting to schools in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton,” wrote Philip in the petition’s blurb. “It will also limit people's independence in getting to shops and doctors.”
