School bus timing eased after parent concern

By Laura Linham 6th Mar 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 6th Mar 2026

A planned timetable change to the 174 bus between Shepton Mallet and Wells has been adjusted after concerns were raised about students arriving too early for school.

Somerset councillor Claire Sully said the issue came to light after a young bus user raised concerns with their parents about the proposed timetable changes.

The parent then contacted Cllr Sully, warning that pupils travelling to Wells could have arrived up to an hour before school started and around 20 minutes before the gates opened.

Cllr Sully said she raised the matter with Somerset Council, which then discussed the timetable with bus operator First West of England.

"A young 174 bus user raised concerns with their parents about the timetable changes and the parent then contacted me to report the plan would see students arriving in Wells a full hour before school and 20 minutes before the gates open," she said.

"I raised the issue with Somerset Council, who negotiated with First West of England."

Following those discussions, the morning journey originally scheduled to leave Stratton-on-the-Fosse at 6.52am will now run around 20 minutes later.

Under the revised timetable, the bus will leave Shepton Mallet at 7.31am and arrive at Wells Bus Station at 8am — effectively preserving the current arrival time for many students travelling to schools in the city, including Wells Blue School.

Cllr Sully said the route operates as a commercial service, meaning Somerset Council does not control the timetable.

"As a commercial service operating without Somerset Council funding, the operator makes the final decision. Students can still reach Wells Blue School on the 174, but some will face a longer school day.

"With this tweak to the post-April timetable they will no longer arrive before the school gates open."

She added that the situation highlights the need for stronger consultation when bus timetable changes are proposed.

"This episode underlines the need for meaningful consultation with bus companies and all stakeholders, including schools, young people and parents, local councillors, MPs and our brilliant Somerset bus user groups to avoid unintended impacts on families."

The 174 route, which links Wells, Shepton Mallet and Bath via communities including Croscombe and Midsomer Norton, has recently been the focus of wider debate after proposed evening service cuts prompted public protests earlier this year.