In the last decade, Somerset has experienced a significant decline in bus service coverage, with figures showing a 32% reduction in the distance covered by buses.

This trend mirrors broader cutbacks in bus services across England.

The Campaign for Better Transport has voiced its disappointment over this decline and has called for a strategic approach to funding. In Somerset, bus companies covered 4.7 million miles of service in the year ending in March, a slight uptick from 4.6 million the previous year. However, this is a stark drop from the 6.9 million miles recorded in 2012-13.

Nationally, the extent of bus routes has decreased by 21%, from 1.3 billion miles in 2012-13 to 1 billion in the last year. Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at the Campaign for Better Transport, commented on the situation: "The decline in bus provision is disappointing. We hope recent funding will reverse this trend, but a long-term funding strategy is essential to ensure robust bus provision across all regions."

Post-pandemic, there has been a resurgence in bus usage, but numbers are still not at pre-Covid levels. Across England, 3.4 billion journeys were made last year, compared to 4 billion in the year to March 2020. In Somerset, bus journeys increased to 4.8 million in the year to March from 3.7 million the previous year, yet this was below the pre-pandemic figure of 5.9 million.

The introduction of a £2 cap on fares across England, following a successful trial in Cornwall, has positively impacted passenger numbers. Cornwall is the only region in England where post-pandemic bus journey figures have surpassed pre-Covid levels.

Barrett added, "People are returning to buses. The £2 fare cap is boosting numbers, and local authorities are supporting buses more. Cheaper fares and increased service are slowing the decline."

The Department for Transport acknowledged the importance of buses in connecting communities and stated, "To keep essential routes running and encourage people back onto buses, the Government has invested over £3.5 billion since 2020. We've also extended the £2 bus fare cap until the end of 2024."

advertisement