Significant changes to bus services in North Somerset came into effect following a comprehensive review by First Bus and North Somerset Council in April. The review, which evaluated passenger usage and community requirements, sought to optimize services while minimizing the need for large council subsidies and preventing future financial losses.
One of the key adjustments involves the re-routing of the number 9 bus, which will now cover areas previously served by the number 7 bus in Weston-super-Mare. This change, effective Sunday, June 1, 2025, responds directly to community feedback regarding access difficulties around Weston’s High Street and Waterloo Street. The new route for the 9 bus includes Alfred Street and the Boulevard, then turns right along Knightstone Road by the seafront. It will no longer serve the Winter Gardens and Marine Parade stops; instead, passengers can use the Thatched Cottage stop.
Additionally, the timetable for the X9 service has been revised to better accommodate Nailsea School students. Morning buses will now arrive five minutes earlier, and afternoon services will depart five minutes later. This adjustment facilitates easier arrival at school and participation in after-school activities. This emergency timetable change also takes effect on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
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North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Hannah Young, acknowledged the challenges faced by users following the initial April changes. She emphasized ongoing efforts to balance limited resources with community needs by collaborating with bus operators and securing government funding to sustain essential services.
For residents in Milton relying on the number 7 to reach Weston seafront, the journey will involve taking the 7 to Weston Interchange, then switching to the re-routed number 9 bus, which now travels past Tesco and along the seafront towards Marine Lake. Alternatively, passengers can use the 6, 7, or 9 bus services to Weston Interchange and walk to the seafront.
For up-to-date information on all bus routes and timetables in North Somerset, travelers are encouraged to visit travelwest.info.