Relief in Keynsham as Vital K1 Bus Service Saved from Axe

A vital local bus service in Keynsham, the K1 route, which was set to be discontinued this summer due to funding expiry, has now been secured for an additional three years.

The announcement came as a welcome relief to residents who rely on the K1 for daily transport. Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, expressed her hopes that the extension would support the community, stating, “I hope that helps people. I hope you feel heard and listened to.”

Originally, the K1 was planned to be replaced by the new K2 service. However, the two routes serve different parts of Keynsham. While both buses connect the Chocolate Quarter area to the town centre, the K1 caters to west and south Keynsham, whereas the K2 focuses solely on the more affluent east side.

Councillor Dave Biddleston, representing Keynsham South for the Labour party, welcomed the decision enthusiastically. He said, “I couldn’t be more pleased that WECA have kept our K1 bus. It will continue to provide transport to school for our children, deliver our seniors to medical appointments, and take residents to the High Street.”

He also encouraged greater use of the service, adding, “I’d encourage everyone to use it more, that way we can begin our arguments for the town to have a K3.”

The K1 route was one of several bus services established under the West of England Combined Authority’s WESTlocal scheme, which enables local communities to create their own transport routes. Both the K1 and K2 services are now guaranteed to operate at least until they undergo a review scheduled for March 2029.

Councillor Biddleston further commented on the need for continued improvements: “There are still improvements to be made for Keynsham. However laudable the intention, not everyone is able to cycle, and provision should be made for bus transport, equal to the provision that B&NES is giving for cyclists.”