Significant changes to bus services in Weston-super-Mare and nearby regions will take effect from August 31, aiming to improve route clarity, connectivity, and coverage. FirstBus, in collaboration with North Somerset Council and the University of Bristol, has designed these adjustments following extensive consultation.
A key update includes the replacement of Weston’s 7B and 7H services with an extended X5 route. This new cross-town service will operate approximately every 70 minutes from Monday to Saturday, connecting Bleadon Hill, Hutton, Clevedon, and Portishead via major destinations such as Weston Hospital, Coronation Estate, Weston College, and Worle. This change simplifies the network while restoring Saturday bus services to Bleadon Hill, which had been previously unavailable.
Additionally, the U2 service will now run directly from Bristol through Langford to Weston-super-Mare, linking south Weston with communities including Banwell, Sandford, and Churchill. Operating hourly Monday through Saturday, the U2 will pass through key Weston stops like the Helicopter Museum, Haywood Village, Oldmixon, Weston General Hospital, Coronation Estate, and Broadoak before reaching the town centre. While Sunday U2 services will be discontinued due to low demand, Stagecoach’s Falcon coach service will continue to provide Sunday connections between Langford and Bristol. Notably, U2 buses will now terminate at Bristol Bus Station, offering passengers a more central and convenient arrival point.
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The X7 service between Clevedon and Bristol will be rerouted via Long Ashton on all trips, absorbing the former X7a route. This adjustment is expected to bolster punctuality and reliability, with buses running every 70 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and hourly on Sundays.
Other updates include seasonal reductions to services 1 and 20 during winter, renumbering of school service 51s to 125s as requested by North Somerset Council, and expanded services for Weston College on academic days. New X18, X21, and X12 routes will serve journeys from Nailsea, Bridgwater, and Filton respectively.
FirstBus’s Commercial Director for the West of England, Rob Pymm, emphasized the benefits of these changes: “These improvements simplify the Weston network, enhance access to Bristol, and restore vital local connections like Saturday buses for Bleadon Hill. Combined with our investment in zero-emission electric buses based in Weston, we’re making bus travel more convenient and sustainable for North Somerset residents and visitors.”
Passengers are encouraged to check updated timetables before traveling from August 31 to ensure smooth journeys.