AN under-threat bus route between Shepton Mallet and Yeovil has been saved.

Somerset Council has awarded a new contract for the number 1 bus service following a tendering process.

The agreement is with current operator, South West Coaches, and will offer a revised version of the service from April 15.

It comes after South West gave notice on the route after raising concerns about the financial viability of the service.

In response, Somerset Council has made some changes to the route, with variations from the main Yeovil to Shepton Mallet corridor which were carrying small numbers, removed.

The revised service focuses on a two-hour daytime frequency between the towns, as well as a Saturday service which provides three journeys in each direction.

Connections are maintained for students at Castle Cary for onward travel to Strode College in the morning and afternoon, while school pupils using some of the variations from the main route will now be served through amendments to the school contract network, the council added, with parents being notified of new travel arrangements.

The news comes after the council also reached an agreement to save the under-threat 25 (Taunton – Dulverton), 28 (Taunton – Minehead), 54 (Taunton – Yeovil) and 58 (Yeovil – Wincanton) routes, operated by Buses of Somerset.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and digital, said: “We’re really pleased we could ensure this service continued, we understand how important it is for the communities it serves.

“This decision, along with a number of other routes we have been able to support, means the money from our Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plus pot (BSIP Plus) is now fully allocated.

READ MORE: Somerset Council saves under-threat bus routes – including 54 between Yeovil and Taunton

“Factoring in the £5.2m we spend on supporting 76 other routes across Somerset, I need to be clear that we do not have the capacity to support any other services at this time, or make further improvements to existing services.

“We have managed to maintain all existing subsidies this year despite unprecedented financial pressure which is really positive.

“What I would say to residents is please support your local bus route – we need to ensure passenger numbers increase to maintain the viability of all routes.

“At just £2 for a single fare anywhere in Somerset currently, bus travel is incredible value.”

Peter Fairey, operations director for South West Coaches, added: “It is fantastic news that we have been able to work with Somerset Council to revitalise the number 1 service.

“This service is a huge part of our company’s heritage and we have every confidence that the amendments to the timetable will benefit the communities that rely on it.

“We implore everyone to get behind this service and to use the bus wherever possible.”