MP for Somerton and Frome, Sarah Dyke, has launched a new petition to secure the future of Frome’s 30 and D2 buses, as well as Somerset’s 58/58A, and 54 buses.
Somerset Council is currently supporting the 58/58A, 54 and 30 buses and the evening services of the D2 using bus service improvement plan plus (BSIP Plus) funds provided by the government. The council will need to review the future of the 58/58A and 54 routes in the next few months – and BSIP Plus funding for the 30 and D2 evening journeys is only in place until 31st March 2025.
Somerset’s core bus services provide a crucial lifeline for residents and are essential in linking rural communities to local facilities such as high streets, hospitals and pharmacies. Last year, Sarah Dyke ran a successful campaign to save the D2 bus, after First Group announced plans to remove evening, Sunday and public holiday services. This sparked a public outcry and more than 1,500 local people signed the petition.
The MP said, “I know how vital bus services are to local communities, which is why I campaigned hard last year to make sure the evening, Sunday and public holiday services of the D2 weren’t axed.
“I have heard numerous stories from local people who rely on these routes to go about their day-to-day lives. They would be left stranded if they were removed. The 54 route, for instance, connects Taunton and Yeovil, the two largest towns in the county.
“At a time of high fuel costs, as well as the climate emergency, these core bus services provide a lifeline to many in our community who have no other way to travel. I will continue to stand up for our buses and to put pressure on the government to provide Somerset Council with greater support.
“I am urging everyone who uses these bus services, knows someone who does or simply believes that they’re important to sign my petition. I’m also keen to raise awareness of the £2 bus fare cap and to encourage people to make greater use of our buses, so that they can be viable in the long term.”
Peter Travis, co-chair of Somerset Bus Partnership said, “The £2 fare is a great initiative by the government, but not if there are no bus services for you to use.”
Sarah Dyke’s latest petition can be found at: www.sarahdyke.uk/campaigns/save-our-buses
