Villagers around Bristol have made a heartfelt plea to keep the vital X91 bus service running, emphasizing its importance as the only public transport link connecting North East Somerset’s Chew Valley to the city.
A petition, signed by 1,064 local residents, was submitted to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), urging the continuation of the X91 route beyond July. The petition highlights that cutting the service would not only isolate communities but also push more people back into car travel, negatively affecting environmental goals and increasing traffic congestion.
Removing the X91 threatens daily access to work, education, healthcare, and essential services for many. Speaking at a WECA committee meeting, Chew Valley transport advocate Jackie Head stressed the bus’s importance: “I want to keep coming to these meetings, but the reality is my village may be cut off completely.”
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Villages south of Chew Valley Lake—including Compton Martin, Ubley, East Harptree, and West Harptree—would lose direct bus links to Bristol if the X91 ends, though some might receive limited service via a proposed new two-hour route between Bath and Bristol. Local Liberal Democrat councillor David Harding criticized this alternative as “overly circuitous,” emphasizing that the community’s preference is to retain the X91.
The X91 originated in 2024 through the Chew Valley Sustainable Transport Group, supported by a WECA funding scheme designed to revive local bus routes after all previous Chew Valley buses were discontinued in 2023. Since its inception, the X91 has grown in popularity and now serves eight villages across the area.
At the WECA meeting, 18 individuals shared personal stories underscoring their dependence on the X91. Among them were two patients who need the bus to travel to chemotherapy sessions at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and another who requires it for attending job centre appointments in Bishopsworth—loss of the service would threaten their access to crucial support.
Peter Luckett highlighted a common sentiment by noting, “I sold my car in favour of commuting on the X91.” Sally Calverley added, “This bus service is a lifeline between rural communities and the city. Please don’t assume we are all rich and privileged out here! We need this bus service.”
In response, the Chew Valley Sustainable Transport Group proposed a compromise: maintaining the X91 as a two-hourly service covering all villages, coupled with a separate hourly shuttle connecting Bishop Sutton and Midsomer Norton. Councillor Harding urged authorities to “listen to this sensible suggestion” and adopt it to preserve community access.
Jackie Head’s poignant appeal concluded, “Please listen to our plea and intervene to help retain the X91.” West of England Mayor Helen Godwin acknowledged the commitment of campaigners, affirming, “You are being heard.”