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.”
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Dozens of people signing the petition wrote their reasons for doing so, many describing it as a “lifeline” and “essential”. Helen Barrett wrote: “My daughter uses the service every day to get to college.” Michael Rouemaine added: “My daughter relies on this service to get to work.”
Matthew Phipps called the 178 an “essential service for the community”, arguing that “many will be isolated and unable to travel without it”. Hilary Hardwick added that “disabled/elderly residents of… villages affected by the removal of this bus service will be totally isolated and lose their independence”.
Anne Harding wrote: “It’s so important that the elderly and young people can access local towns,” adding that “we are meant to be improving our environment by reducing car journeys.” She argued that the move “discriminates against those people who cannot drive,” concluding that “being independent… must be protected.”
Natalija Elphick concurred, writing: “I feel it's an essential bus service to support those in local villages who don't drive for whatever reason to get into the nearby cities for their work, education, medical or leisure purposes.”
She added: “It’s also better for the environment if people travel by the bus rather than using their individual cars driving into the cities so it also supports the sustainability agenda.”
Some pointed out the relative scarcity of services enjoyed by those living in rural villages, compared with residents of urban areas. Bristol Temple Meads train station is served by at least seven First services, according to the operator’s network map, while villages between Bristol and Radstock have only one – which is set to become none.
“Villages need buses,” wrote Charlea Husher. “This is my only bus option for Bristol/Bath when my partner has our car.” She added: “So many people I know rely on this bus. Why not cut from somewhere that already has multiple services!?” Emily Masterton concurred. “This gives me more freedom as I don't drive,” she wrote, “cut one of the Peasedown buses.”
Campaigners fighting to preserve the 178 service have put forward a proposal to modify the new 379 route to Radstock, which will bypass soon-to-be-isolated villages by taking the quicker A37 instead. Philip pointed out that this route already enjoys a half-hourly service, adding: “Why can't the resources from the 379 be used to connect these villages with a service from Bath to Keynsham where commuters can then get a connecting bus to Bristol?”
Bristol Live has approached First West England for comment on the petition, but none had been received at the time of publication.
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