Buses linking the Chew Valley and Bristol are receiving significant improvements through updated routes and timetables, providing increased frequency and better connectivity for residents and visitors.
Starting Sunday, August 31, the WESTlocal X91 route will begin operating on Saturdays for the first time, including evening trips. This service offers a direct connection from Ubley to Bristol city centre and stops at key transport hubs like Parson Street and Bristol Temple Meads railway stations. On weekdays, the X91 will add an extra daytime journey, raising the total to four return trips daily.
The 99 service will be refocused to prioritize villages with the most passengers. It will now operate between Ubley and Bishops Sutton, serving Compton Martin, West Harptree, East Harptree, Pensford, Chew Stoke, and Chew Magna. Evening services will remain available between Ubley and Pensford via Chew Stoke, although Friday evening and bank holiday trips will be discontinued.
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Phil Collins from the Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership highlighted the benefits: “These enhanced bus services not only address local travel needs but also support local businesses by encouraging more visitors to the Chew Valley, boosting leisure and tourism.”
Jason Freeman of The Big Lemon bus company added, “These improvements are part of the final phase of WESTlocal funding. The adjustments reflect passenger feedback, and we hope they will encourage greater use of these community-focused bus services.”
These changes are part of the broader WESTlocal initiative, which involves local communities designing and managing bus routes. The program is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Bus Grant, supported by the UK government, and will continue through March 2026.
Updated timetables for both bus services are available on Travelwest.