£500,000 for Bridgwater Buses

Somerset County Council and First Bus are investing £500,000 in the bus network for Bridgwater, in an effort to revolutionise bus travel in the area.

The money is being spent on four new buses. They will operate on the ‘Service 1’ route that covers Bridgwater Town Centre, North Sydenham, Wills Road and Rhode Lane.

The buses have low-floor technology, designed to assist older people and disabled people, and will include a deployable ramp for wheelchair users.  They have dedicated wheelchair and buggy space, larger seats and are designed to make journeys smoother.

The new vehicles are also equipped with Euro 4 engines which meet all current requirements for reduced emissions.

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment said, “Bridgwater deserves to have the best buses serving local people so we are able to cut down on congestion, improve access for older and disabled people and encourage more people onto the buses. This investment represents Somerset County Council’s commitment to deliver just that.”

Justin Davies, Managing Director of First Bristol, Somerset and Avon, said, "These brand new buses are part of our joint commitment with Somerset County Council to improving the quality and accessibility of local bus services throughout the region. The buses are bright, comfortable and accessible and we think customers will notice a real difference."