Somerset community groups asked to design public transport

Community groups are being invited to design and run their own public transport.

North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) have set up the WESTlocal £2 million funding initiative as part of the region's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Groups - including schools, faith groups and town and parish councils - can apply for a share of the money.

The deadline for funding applications is 30 April.

Applicants can propose buses with regular fixed routes and timetables or flexible minibus services, to help residents travel around the area.

They can collaborate with established transport operators or set up independent operations.

North Somerset Councillor, Hannah Young, said: "This WESTlocal funding gives individual communities the power to design the public transport solutions that will best meet their local needs.

"I'm pleased that through our Bus Service Improvement Plan we can now offer this opportunity to fill gaps in the public transport network and connect people to key services.  

"With a dedicated team available to support any applications, I would urge local communities to consider how their public transport network could be improved and use this innovative Bus Service Improvement Plan funding to enhance your area." 

Road minister Guy Opperman said: "Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system and I'm delighted to have worked alongside the local council and local MPs to give North Somerset and the West of England over £105 million to boost its bus services.                      

"Part of our £2 billion to improve bus services in England, this is a fantastic result for passengers across North Somerset, who will now have more say and control over the local public transport network, helping passengers get around more easily and with greater peace of mind." 

Funding will last until March 2026, so it is targeted at schemes which have the highest chance of long-term financial viability, the council added.

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