A new bus service, numbered 567, has been operating in Somerset since early August, offering a crucial link between Glastonbury town centre and Castle Cary railway station. The route includes stops at Street, Butleigh, Keinton Mandeville, and Lydford-on-Fosse, and runs daily, timed to meet every train arriving at and departing from Castle Cary station. This provision aims to improve onward travel options for both locals and tourists, connecting Somerset with wider destinations such as London, Weymouth, Gloucester and Plymouth via rail.
Somerset Council has funded the route for an initial six-month trial period, with the intention that passenger support during this time will determine its continuation beyond winter 2027. This move is part of efforts to enhance public transport options for the region, which currently sees over 370,000 passengers passing through Castle Cary station annually.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, responsible for highways and transport, highlighted the service’s potential to reconnect central Somerset communities with rail travel. He noted the integration with the existing Slinky bus running from Somerton, creating a link through Keinton Mandeville that serves the Langport and Somerton areas despite the absence of a local railway station.
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The route was developed after campaigning by the Glastonbury TrainLink group, which raised £20,000 towards establishing a trial service initially proposed to include Pilton and Shepton Mallet. The final alignment, however, prioritises the town of Street to enhance commercial viability, a decision that attracted some initial criticism from activists but was supported by Councillor Wilkins as a necessary compromise.
The buses feature modern amenities, including USB charging points, air conditioning, and full wheelchair accessibility, emphasising comfort and inclusivity.
David Northey, chairman of the Somerset Bus Partnership, emphasised the benefits for local commerce, particularly by providing direct access to popular shopping destinations like Clarks Village for visitors arriving by train. Similarly, Liberal Democrat Glastonbury Councillor Ewan Cameron pointed out that the town attracts nearly a million visitors annually and welcomed the service as an environmentally friendly and practical option for connecting with mainline rail.
Adding to the positive outlook, Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP recently announced a reduction in single bus fares from £3 to £2 effective from January 1, 2027, which Councillor Wilkins anticipates will encourage more passengers.
Great Western Railway (GWR), which operates services from Castle Cary, has supported the bus launch alongside its station improvements, including a refurbished waiting area and planned additional parking.
While housing growth in Glastonbury and along the route continues, Councillor Wilkins emphasised that the service’s success depends primarily on passenger numbers rather than new developments.
The full timetable for route 567 is available at www.somersetbuspartnership.co.uk/567.
Councillor Claire Sully (Lib Dem, Mendip South) expressed optimism that if the trial succeeds, similar community-responsive routes could be introduced, noting ongoing discussions with Shepton Mallet Town Council.
Finally, Councillor Wilkins highlighted the strategic importance of collaborating with neighbouring counties, including Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, North Somerset and Bath, to improve connectivity across regional transport links, including airports at Bristol and Exeter.