A controversial rule is preventing a popular bus from picking up passengers in two Somerset villages it passes through, much to the frustration of locals. The 99 “Chew Valley Cat,” which started operating in September 2024, has been hailed as a game-changer for the area but is banned from making stops in Litton and Chewton Mendip. This has sparked criticism and calls for a change in the rule.
The bus is part of the West of England Combined Authority’s WESTlocal scheme, aimed at funding local buses, but a specific restriction prohibits the prioritization of individuals residing outside the West of England. Therefore, despite passing directly through the villages, the bus is not permitted to pick up passengers there.
Dr. Phil Collins, a member of the Chew Valley’s local sustainable travel group, highlighted the illogical nature of the rule, emphasizing that allowing stops in Litton and Chewton Mendip would not incur additional costs or mileage to the route. He stressed the potential value of the service to both the residents of the West of England and those in the two excluded villages, citing the bus’s role in reducing rural isolation and aiding decarbonization efforts. Locals have expressed their frustration at having to watch the bus pass by every day without being able to board.
READ MORE: Surveyor Condemns Modern Halloween
READ MORE: Campaign for Progress on New Somerset Railway Station
The situation has prompted pleas from residents and local representatives, with pressure mounting on West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris to address the issue. Despite acknowledging the flaws in the rule, Norris highlighted the complexity of the situation, citing potential legal implications and the need to find a viable solution.
The introduction of the 99 Chew Valley Cat and its predecessor, the WESTlocal X91 Chew Valley Sprint, aimed to address the void left by the termination of timetabled public transport services in the region. These initiatives have been crucial in reconnecting villages and providing essential transport links.
As the community continues to advocate for a change, the bus service faces the challenge of achieving financial sustainability by March 2026, when its current funding is set to expire.