CHANGES to some Buses of Somerset routes are coming into effect this month across the West Somerset and Wellington area with a number of extra services being added.

The timetable changes start on November 27 and are intended to ‘further improve punctuality and reliability’ of buses.

The changes include adding earlier journeys to some routes to support workers, as well as extending evening services.

First Bus South, which operates Buses of Somerset, is also monitoring punctuality and reliability of services and will make further minor timetable amendments to timetables to improve the running time of its buses.

Some of the changes will directly affect the Nos 22, 22A, and X22 buses from Taunton to Wellington andTiverton.

In West Somerset, the Exmoor Coaster from watchet via Porlock to Lynton will stop running for the winter from Sunday, November 26, and will return in early 2024.

Taunton town services Nos 1, 6, and 7 will see some tweaks to their timetables, as will the Nos 21 and 21A Taunton to Bridgwater and Burnham on Sea.

First South commercial director James Eustace said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are making these changes after listening to their feedback.

“People told us they needed earlier buses to get to work, so we are adding these journeys in on weekdays.

“We are also adjusting some journey times to improve punctuality and help students get to school.

“At the same time, following the timetable changes in September, we are also seeing improvements in punctuality on our services.

“Our focus is on running a reliable service for local people and we are working hard to make that happen.”

Free travel on First Bus services is being offered to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and cadets during Remembrance Saturday and Sunday.
Free travel on First Bus services is being offered to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and cadets during Remembrance Saturday and Sunday. (First Bus South)

First South is also offering free travel across its bus network for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance activities on Armistice Day (Saturday, November 11) and Remembrance Sunday (November 12).

On both days, the bus operator will give free bus travel across its routes in Somerset and other counties to the Armed Forces community, including serving troops, veterans, and cadets.

To claim free travel, all current and former military personnel should show the driver their Armed Forces ID or wear their medals or uniform.

Mr Eustace said: “Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are important reminders of the sacrifices made by so many in our Armed Forces.

“We are making travel to and from Remembrance events as easy as possible for people who are attending, and I am pleased that our business can play our part in supporting and remembering those lost in military service past and present.

“Across First Bus South a number of our colleagues are veterans, particularly in areas where we operate with strong military connections such as Portsmouth and Falmouth.

“We are very proud of them, and this is our way of saying thank you to them, as well as honouring our Armed Forces.”