A woman who faced losing her “lifeline” job of 30 years over the cancellation of the 178 bus route has learnt that she can continue in the role now the service has been saved. Rachel Bevan, who is 55 and has learning difficulties, has worked in the cafeteria of the Rolls Royce plant at Filton since the 1990s – a job her mum calls “a lifeline”.
But she was asked to tender her resignation when First West of England announced that the 178, which is one of two buses Rachel takes to work each day, would cease running from early October. However, following intense campaigning by passengers and intervention from Metro Mayor Dan Norris, the route will now be taken over by new operators.
Rachel’s colleagues at the cafe had always been friendly and understanding, said Margaret Bevan, 85. “It’s something to do and she’s got friends, people to chat to,” she added. “She lives at home with us, a couple of oldies, and is with us all the time. It’s nice to be out and mixing with other people.”
