Somerset Villagers Miss Out as Bus Cannot Pick Up Passengers

A bus called “Chew Valley Cat” can’t pick up some people. The route began in September 2024, going through North East Somerset where people were once cut off from buses. Locals call the new bus “revolutionary”, but it seems silly that it skips some stops.

The bus passes stops in Litton and Chewton Mendip, but won’t pick up folks there. The route links East Harptree and Farrington Gurney, and stopping could cause legal problems for local leaders.

The West of England Combined Authority funds the bus through their WESTlocal scheme, which helps local buses. However, the money should help West of England residents first. Bath and North East Somerset is in the authority, but Somerset Council isn’t.

Dr. Phil Collins spoke at a meeting on January 31, saying the situation is absurd. Stopping wouldn’t hurt anyone else, cost more money or miles, since the bus already goes right past the stops.

Collins added the bus would help residents in all villages, whereas people outside the area just watch the bus. The service needs to be sustainable by March 2026, when its funding will end, and more riders would make it sustainable.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris agrees it’s illogical, stating there are other things to consider. They are now trying to find a solution, which is proving to be a challenging situation.

Spending money outside their area could cause a review, and locals want Norris to fix this issue quickly. One person, Jackie Head, asked to stop in Chewton Mendip, stating, “We are passing through it!”

Collins said the bus helps reduce isolation and aids environmental efforts. In 2023, the area lost all bus service, as all routes there were cut back drastically.

The X91 Chew Valley Sprint started in April 2024, linking villages to Bristol. The 99 bus followed, linking villages to Paulton and the A37 road.