A new bus service connecting Glastonbury to Castle Cary railway station via Street, Butleigh, Keinton Mandeville and Lydford-on-Fosse is currently in a six-month trial period, with passengers being encouraged to support it to secure its future.
Launched on 3 August, the 567 bus operates seven days a week, aligning its schedule to meet every train arriving and departing from Castle Cary station, which now serves over 370,000 passengers annually following recent improvements.
Funded by Somerset Council for this initial half-year trial, the service aims to provide a reliable link for tourists and local residents, facilitating easier travel to popular destinations such as Glastonbury and Clarks Village. The council emphasises the importance of passengers using the service to maintain its viability beyond the winter months.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, highlighted the service as a “gold-plated” addition to Somerset’s transport network. He was among the first passengers on the opening day and stressed the importance of the route connecting with every train at Castle Cary, enabling onward travel to cities including London, Weymouth, Gloucester and Plymouth.
He also noted the integration with the existing Slinky service from Somerton at Keinton Mandeville, improving accessibility for the Langport and Somerton areas despite lacking local railway stations.
This trial follows efforts by the Glastonbury TrainLink group, which raised £20,000 to propose a trial route through Pilton and Shepton Mallet outskirts. However, the council opted for a route via Street to secure commercial viability, a decision that initially attracted some criticism.
Councillor Wilkins defended the choice, stating that the Street route offers the best chance for a successful, sustainable service given Somerset’s current transport landscape and funding realities.
Modern and comfortable, the 567 bus provides USB charging ports, air conditioning, and wheelchair accessibility.
David Northey, chairman of the Somerset Bus Partnership, expressed enthusiasm about the improved link to Clarks Village, predicting it would attract visitors from outside the county and enhance connectivity at Castle Cary station, complementing ongoing station improvements by Great Western Railway (GWR).
Councillor Ewan Cameron, Liberal Democrat representative for Glastonbury, pointed out the town’s significant tourist numbers-901,000 visitors annually, second highest in the county-and the benefits of easy, green travel options connecting the town with mainline rail services.
Additionally, a forthcoming government bus fare cap reduction from £3 to £2 starting 1 January 2027 has been welcomed as a potential boost for passenger numbers.
While rapid housing growth has occurred in Glastonbury and along the route, Councillor Wilkins clarified that the service’s success does not rely on new housing developments, but rather on community use of the bus.
A full timetable is available at www.somersetbuspartnership.co.uk/567.
Councillor Claire Sully (Lib Dem, Mendip South) expressed optimism that the 567 route’s success could pave the way for additional routes tailored to community needs, with discussions already underway with Shepton Mallet Town Council.
Looking ahead, Mr Wilkins emphasised the importance of regional cooperation to link Somerset with neighbouring counties and transport hubs including Bristol and Exeter airports, aiming to create a cohesive and integrated public transport network across the region.