A new bus service described as “gold-plated” has launched in Somerset, offering a vital transport link for tourists and residents from Glastonbury to Castle Cary railway station. The 567 bus, which began operating on 3 August, runs seven days a week and serves stops in Street, Butleigh, Keinton Mandeville, and Lydford-on-Fosse. It is timed to meet every train arriving and departing from Castle Cary station, a hub that currently welcomes over 370,000 passengers annually.
This service is funded by Somerset Council for a six-month trial period, with officials emphasising the importance of passenger support to ensure its continuation beyond the winter months. Targeted towards tourists arriving by rail who wish to explore popular destinations such as Glastonbury and Clarks Village, the route has been hailed as a significant improvement for the area’s public transport options.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, was among the first passengers to use the service. He highlighted the connection opportunities provided by the bus: “This service meets every train at Castle Cary, enabling people from Glastonbury and surrounding areas to access onward travel to London, Weymouth, Gloucester, and Plymouth. It’s an absolutely fantastic, gold-plated service that we want to continue.”
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Councillor Wilkins also noted the integration with the existing Slinky service from Somerton, which connects at Keinton Mandeville, expanding coverage to Langport and Somerton. “Though these areas lack their own station, this bus service offers the best connection to the rail network,” he added.
The new route emerged following advocacy by the Glastonbury TrainLink group, which raised significant funds to support a trial route. Initially proposed to run via Pilton and near Shepton Mallet, the final route serves Street instead, a decision made to improve viability despite some criticism from campaigners.
Features of the new bus include USB charging points, air conditioning, and wheelchair accessibility, enhancing passenger comfort.
David Northey, chairman of the Somerset Bus Partnership, emphasised the broader benefits: “Providing a direct link to Clarks Village not only supports local tourism but also aligns Somerset with successful models elsewhere, like Bicester Village, attracting visitors from outside the county.”
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Ewan Cameron drew attention to Glastonbury’s visitor numbers, stating: “With around 901,000 visitors annually, improving access supports both our green credentials and visitors' experience. The 567 bus fills a vital gap, giving people a credible option to reach Glastonbury from Castle Cary station.”
Adding to the positive outlook, Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP recently announced a reduction in the single fare bus cap from £3 to £2, effective 1 January 2027. Councillor Wilkins welcomed this, saying, “Lower fares will encourage more passengers and make the service even more attractive.”
Great Western Railway, which operates all trains from Castle Cary, has backed the new bus service alongside recent station improvements, including refurbished waiting areas and plans for additional parking.
Despite significant housing developments in Glastonbury and along the route, Councillor Wilkins stated that the bus’s success does not depend on further new homes. Instead, consistent passenger use is key.
A full timetable for the 567 route is available at www.somersetbuspartnership.co.uk/567.
Councillor Claire Sully, representing Mendip South, expressed optimism about expanding such community-responsive services based on this trial’s success. Discussions are already underway with Shepton Mallet Town Council about future routes.
Looking ahead, Councillor Wilkins stressed the importance of regional connectivity, saying, “We need to strengthen links with neighbouring counties and connect to major airports at Bristol and Exeter, ensuring seamless travel across different transport modes.”