A bus route cannot pick up passengers in two Somerset villages because of funding rules and combined authority area limits.
The bus goes through Litton and Chewton Mendip. However, it can’t pick up people there. The bus needs to pass through those villages anyway. It travels between East Harptree and Farrington Gurney. Stopping could cause legal trouble for politicians.
The West of England Combined Authority funds the bus. Their WESTlocal scheme paid for it. The funding cannot favor those outside their area. Somerset Council isn’t part of the authority.
A local, Dr. Phil Collins, spoke at a meeting. He thinks this rule is absurd. Stopping wouldn’t hurt anyone else. It also requires no extra effort. The bus stops already exist, he mentioned. He adds that there are no added costs.
It provides a service to everyone. People in those villages watch the bus pass daily. The service must be financially stable soon. Funding ends in March 2026. More riders would help, says Dr. Collins.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris agrees it’s illogical. He says other factors are involved. They are trying to find a solution. It’s proving difficult, he admits.
Spending money outside their area can lead to review. People have asked Mr. Norris for months to act. One person asked that the bus pick up passengers in Chewton Mendip.
Dr. Collins praised the bus for helping people. It also helps the environment. The valley had no buses in 2023. Cuts eliminated all public transport there.
The WESTlocal X91 bus started in April 2024. It runs to Bristol and back. Route 99 followed in September 2024. It connects villages to more bus stops.