Residents of Shepton Mallet who rely on the Service 1 bus to Castle Cary and Yeovil are facing a potential change in their daily commute.

South West Coaches, the operator of this service, has informed Somerset Council that the current level of subsidy is insufficient to sustain the route. This comes at a time when Somerset Council is grappling with a financial emergency, leaving it unable to increase its subsidy.

With the Council unable to provide additional funding, negotiations are underway with South West Coaches to explore ways of reducing operating costs. This could mean cuts to the Service 1 route, which is a vital link for many in the community.

Currently, there are no plans for a formal consultation with bus users. However, the Somerset Bus Partnership is stepping in to ensure the voice of the community is heard. They aim to gather the views of Service 1 users to influence the discussions between Somerset Council and South West Coaches.

The key focus of the Somerset Bus Partnership is two-fold: firstly, to find ways to increase passenger numbers on the Service 1 route, and secondly, to develop proposals for reducing operating costs in a manner that considers the needs of the service's users.

A crucial meeting hosted by the Somerset Bus Partnership is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Monday, 8 January 2024, via Zoom. This meeting will be an opportunity for the community to hear the Partnership's cost-cutting suggestions and provide their feedback.

For those interested in attending the meeting and having a say in the future of the Service 1 bus route, details and a link to join the Zoom meeting can be found at Somerset Bus Partnership.