The 101 bus service is being extended to serve Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton and Writhlington School in Radstock, helping more local children travel to and from school by bus.
The new school links are being introduced from Monday 7 September, with the 101 serving both secondary schools twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. The service, operated by Abus, currently connects communities including Bishop Sutton, Chew Magna, Pensford, Midsomer Norton and Radstock, as well as providing a link between Farrington Gurney and Paulton.
The 101 is one of several bus services supported by investment from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA).
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said, “Getting our region moving is one of my biggest priorities. These new connections will make it easier for children and families to access education, giving young people a reliable and affordable way to travel to and from school in Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
“Building on the brilliant efforts of local people piloting some of these bus services and campaigners and councillors over the years, including the Chew Valley, together we’re starting to build the kind of bus network that the West of England deserves.”
Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, added, “This is brilliant news for families in Midsomer Norton and Radstock. I have been working hard on this because I know how frustrating it has been for local families.
“I’m really pleased we’ve got a service that works, and children can get to school ready to learn, without starting their day on the back foot.”
Abus will publish the updated timetable, including the additional school stops, at www.abus.co.uk.
The routes are funded through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s three-year Bus Grant from the Department for Transport. Further investment in services since July is aimed at improving connectivity for rural communities and strengthening transport links to employment and education.
More information about local routes and bus timetables is available through TravelWEST at journeyplanner.travelwest.info.
