A number of bus services that run through the Stokes will see timetable and/or route changes from Sunday 9th October 2022.
Route changes are being made on the T1 and Y6 services, while timetable changes apply to the 19, 73, T1 and Y6 services.
Meanwhile, across the wider Bristol and South Gloucestershire area, a number of services are being withdrawn. These are services 5, 72a, 96, 178, X2, Y3, Y4 and Y5.
Operator First West of England says the changes are designed to “balance customer demand with available resource to deliver reliable services for its customers into the future”.
The changes are a result of changing post-pandemic demand which has seen passenger numbers fall by 25 percent compared to pre-Covid figures*. The effects of this have been further impacted by acute driver shortages in the region.
* Editor’s note: Interestingly, First says its M1 MetroBus service has bucked the trend, with patronage on this route now exceeding pre-Covid levels.
Service T1
Thornbury to Bristol city centre via Bradley Stoke and Harry Stoke.
The T1 now terminates at Bristol Bus Station, and no longer serves the BRI or The Centre.
Additionally, the timetable is amended on all days of operation to improve reliability and punctuality of service.
Service Y6
Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Winterbourne, Bristol Parkway Station, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Cribbs Causeway, Southmead Hospital.
The route of the Y6 is extended from Southmead Hospital to Bristol Bus Station, via the A38 Gloucester Road.
Additionally, the timetable is amended on all days of operation to improve reliability and punctuality of service.
Service 73
Cribbs Causeway to Bristol city centre via Bradley Stoke, Bristol Parkway and Filton.
The current temporary diversion in Bristol city centre resulting from the closure of the Redcliffe Bascule Bridge continues. Inbound services use stops R7 and R9 in place of R5.
Additionally, the timetable is amended on all days of operation to improve reliability and punctuality of service.
Other local services
M1 MetroBus: The current temporary diversion in Bristol city centre continues (stop Q1 is not in use). No timetable changes.
19: The timetable is amended on all days of operation to improve reliability and punctuality of service.
12: The Sunday / Bank Holiday timetable is now operated by Eurotaxis (previously First). Monday to Saturday timetable still operated by Stagecoach.
City centre bus stop changes
In addition to the changes mentioned above, many other bus services have relocated to different stops in Bristol city centre. For details, see the link provided below.
Business pressures
Doug Claringbold, managing director of First West of England, said:
“The very last thing any transport operator wants to do is reduce or cut any services. We recognise the impact these changes will have on some of our communities and we are truly sorry for those who will be affected. We’ve actively engaged with local authorities to try to keep these services running.”
“We had high hopes that, as we moved beyond the pandemic and Covid restrictions, we would see a stronger recovery in bus use. Unfortunately, the world has changed more than we predicted and we are still seeing a significantly lower level of bus use, as well as different travel patterns across our network. On top of this, like the rest of the bus industry and other sectors, we are operating against the backdrop of rising business costs and labour shortages that are particularly acute in our area.”
“Our data shows that passengers do not use these services in sufficient numbers and are unlikely to return in the future. Along with the significant driver shortages, this means we simply have no choice but to withdraw or reduce those services and ensure we focus on running buses where there are enough customers travelling.”
First says it will continue to work with local authorities and partners to adapt services in a way that remains sustainable for the longer term, whilst seeking to provide customers with the reliability that meets their needs. This includes looking at community and ‘digital demand responsive transport’ (D-DRT) solutions, which in some parts of the region “may offer better and more cost-effective alternatives to meet local social needs than traditional scheduled bus services”.
More information and related links:
- Service changes in Bristol and South Gloucestershire from Sunday 9th October 2022 (First)
- Bus service changes (Travelwest)
- Bristol City Centre Bus Stop Changes from Sunday 9th October 2022 (First)
- Timetables (First)
- Route maps (First)
- Bus Services in the Stokes (The Journal)
