Somerset Council has announced that a new rural transport hub in Langport, located in the heart of the Somerset Levels, will be operational by Christmas. This project is part of the council’s wider Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which aims to enhance connectivity and integration between bus services and other modes of travel throughout Somerset.
Construction has already begun on the Taunton hub, situated at the former bus station on Tower Street and funded by £3.2 million in government grants. Building on this momentum, the council will soon commence work on the Langport hub, backed by a £510,000 Department for Transport (DfT) fund.
Originally, the rural transport hub was planned for Somerton town centre. However, due to strict conservation area restrictions and the site’s proximity to a scheduled monument, the council deemed the Somerton location unfeasible in early 2025. The decision was made to relocate it to Langport instead.
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Recent designs show the new Langport hub will feature new bus stops on Parrett Close near the One Stop store, with most disabled parking spots relocated closer to the town library. Strategically placed near the large free Cocklemoor car park, the hub provides easy access to public green spaces and the River Parrett Trail, a scenic route stretching from Dorset to the Bristol Channel.
The hub will serve several key local bus routes, including service 54 (Taunton to Yeovil via Somerton and Ilchester), service 16 (Langport to Bridgwater via Othery and Westonzoyland), and the demand-responsive Slinky service. After consulting with Langport Town Council and local groups, the design retains one disabled parking bay adjacent to local shops to improve accessibility.
Beyond facilitating bus travel, the transport hub is designed to support pedestrians and cyclists. The site will act as a gateway to multiple active travel routes, with secure bike storage located near public toilets. Additionally, a free water refill station will be installed by Wessex Water to encourage sustainable travel.
Langport is situated along the South Somerset Cycleway, an 80-mile loop connecting surrounding towns such as Ilminster, Yeovil, and Sherborne. Part of this includes the Parrett Cycleway, linked to the National Cycle Network route 339, which extends southwards toward Drayton and Muchelney.
More walking and cycling paths are under development nearby. The Curry Rivel Active Travel Group is working on a safer route to Huish Drove to bypass the busy A378, while Aller Parish Council is establishing a car-free link near the River Sowy.
Somerset Council is finalising plans and survey work, coordinating with Langport Town Council to minimize disruption. The council expects construction to start in the latter half of the year and be finished by year’s end, delivering a modern, accessible transport hub that enhances connectivity for residents and visitors alike.