Gideon Amos on board one of Somerset's new electric buses in March, with Cllr Richard Wilkins and Ellie Irwin, of First Bus South

‘Vital’ early-morning Taunton bus route saved – returning next month

Paul JonesMay 21, 20250 Comment0

A “VITAL” early-morning bus service in Taunton has been saved.

Somerset Council has stepped up to provide funding to reinstate the 6.22am bus from Wellsprings and Priorswood into Taunton town centre.

The bus, which is used by early shift workers – including many at Musgrove Park Hospital – will restart from June 2.

MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington) – along with local councillors and Somerset Bus Partnership – have been campaigning for the return of the service.

“I’m delighted the route has been reinstated after the bus partnership and I raised this face to face with First Bus managers,” Mr Amos said.

“Having the support of north Taunton’s Lib Dem councillors Liam Pollard, Tom Deakin and Lee Baker really helped make the case and showed the team working effectively together for our town.

“We still need much better public transport and I’m disappointed that First Bus has reduced so many services recently.

“But my Lib Dem Somerset councillor colleagues have made a cracking start to turn things around.

“In the last year or two they have saved the Park and Ride and made it viable again, extended the Wellington bus until midnight and rolled out brand new pollution free buses, all with sparse public funding available.

“Also, after the closure of Taunton Bus Station by the bus company, it’s great to know our councillors are working on reopening it.

“What a contrast to the previous administration who proposed closing the Park and Ride altogether.”

David Northey, from the Somerset Bus Partnership, added: “Thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign to restore this key service. It will be really appreciated by those who rely on it.

“The bus is funded until next Easter and Somerset Bus Partnership, along with local councillors, Somerset Council and First Bus will be helping to grow the business on this popular route.”

He added: “The first bus will be waved off by Taunton’s Mayor, Cllr Martin Strauss, at the start of the journey and then travel into town with representatives from SBP to speak with passengers enroute.”

Cllr Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport at Somerset Council, said: “Having listened to concerns raised, I am pleased to announce that we will be funding an early running of this important route.

“We feel it is vital that the patronage during this journey is maintained.”