RAIL users can now benefit from a new direct bus service to Castle Cary Station.
A bus turning area has been created in the main Castle Cary car park which will allow the route 1 bus, which connects Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet, to call at the station.
This provides much-needed links to a rural area of Somerset.
Representatives from Great Western Railway (GWR), Somerset Council and South West Coaches met at the station yesterday (March 17) to welcome the first direct bus service.
GWR transport integration manager Nick Reid said: “Good, efficient local transport links are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably, and in supporting the local economies that we serve.
“Castle Cary is a really important station for the community of this part of Somerset, both for residents and visitors, and we are delighted to have been able to work with the County Council and South West Coaches to deliver these improvements.”
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Previously buses on route 1 could not access the station car park due to limited turning space.
GWR has worked with the bus operator and Somerset Council to enable buses to use the bus stop on the station forecourt to start/stop.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste services said: “This is excellent news and will be a vital part of improving connectivity across Somerset.
“We want to provide people with the option to leave their cars at home if they want to when making a train journey and this enables them to make that choice, offering a regular service to the station from towns and villages across the local region.”
Peter Fairey, operations director for South West Coaches Ltd said: “We are thrilled to announce that Service 1 now has access to the forecourt of Castle Cary Station.
“This improvement will significantly enhance the passenger experience and ensure the safe and efficient carriage of our passengers.
“Castle Cary Station is a key part of the local transport network, and we’re proud to have worked alongside GWR and Somerset Council to make this happen. Upgrades like these are vital for public transport, encouraging more people to use the service and making travel easier and more convenient for everyone.”
Why can’t the bus go from Wells to Castle cary Station?
The bus always did serve the station, it just stopped in the road, so don’t make out this is a fantastic new service to and from the station.
So the bus stop inside the station car park says you have to stand on the opposite side of the road outside the station to catch the no. 1 heading north to Shepton and you only stand at the bus stop inside the station to head south to Yeovil.