Funding has been restored for the “invaluable” rural bus serving villages along the Avon between Bath and Trowbridge. The future of the 94 bus had been in jeopardy since half of its funding was slashed in 2022, prompting concerns about its continuity. Bath and North East Somerset Council has now announced that it has secured the necessary funding to keep the bus operational.
Fiona Gourley, a local councillor on Bath and North East Somerset Council, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the efforts to maintain the vital service. Over 1300 individuals signed her rural bus petition, underscoring the significant impact the 94 bus has on the community. The bus serves multiple areas including Claverton Town, Monkton Combe School, Limpley Stoke, Freshford, Westwood, and Trowbridge.
The cost of running the bus had previously been shared between Wiltshire Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council. A funding dispute between Bath and North East Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) led to a reduction in financial support for the 94 bus, resulting in a loss of half its funding. However, Wiltshire Council stepped in to cover the entire cost, ensuring the bus continued operating.
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Ms. Gourley emphasized the importance of restoring regular rural public transport to the rest of North East Somerset, leveraging available funds earmarked for public transport by WECA. The news of the secured funding for the 94 bus comes as a relief to residents and officials who recognized its invaluable role in facilitating essential transportation for the community.
Chair of Monkton Combe Parish Council, Des Wighton, highlighted the significance of the bus service, terming it invaluable and ensuring collaborative efforts to encourage greater utilization of the 94 bus. Similarly, Julian Carpenter, responsible for highways and transport on Freshford Parish Council, emphasized the essential role the bus plays for the residents, particularly those with limited alternative transportation options.
The recent funding restoration for the 94 bus mirrors the success observed in Paulton where funding was secured to introduce a new bus service, marking an encouraging development for rural transportation in the area.