The West of England’s innovative ‘timetableless’ Westlink bus service is evolving to introduce a new fixed-route, timetabled bus connecting Bath and Radstock. Launched initially in April 2023 as an on-demand transport network, Westlink allows passengers to book minibuses via an app or phone, traveling freely within a designated zone. Now, in response to community demand, the service is adding a scheduled route to better serve rural areas.
Starting September 1, the new Route 768 will operate twice daily using 16-seater Westlink minibuses. Running from Bath to Writhlington—beyond Radstock—the bus will stop in five villages previously without any timetabled public transport. This pilot is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) through government support for the ongoing Westlink trial.
Metro mayor Helen Godwin emphasized the importance of this service: “We want to build the kind of bus service that local people deserve, working with local councils and operators to tackle longstanding challenges. We plan to publish a comprehensive bus plan for the region later this year.”
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Fiona Gourley, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for sustainable rural transport and a known critic of Westlink, welcomed the change: “Residents in the Cam Valley have long been calling for reliable public transport. This fixed-route, timetabled Westlink trial will help reconnect our villages with Bath and Radstock. We’ve worked closely with WECA to address rural community needs, and this marks a positive shift in approach. We hope its success leads to more frequent and dependable services, giving rural residents better access to education, work, healthcare, leisure, and shopping—reducing dependence on cars or neighbours.”
The new service runs Monday to Saturday, excluding Sundays and bank holidays. Stops include Writhlington, Radstock, Clandown, Camerton, Timsbury, Tunley, Priston, Nailwell, Englishcombe, Bear Flat, and the Ambury stop by Avon Street Car Park in Bath city centre. The schedule features three trips daily, with the first and last trips operating only between Writhlington and Timsbury.
In parallel, another fixed-route Westlink service is under consideration between Thornbury and Yate in South Gloucestershire, according to Thornbury and Yate MP Claire Young, signaling further developments in rural transport connectivity.