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Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is being introduced in 14 zoned areas across the West of England and four of these are in North Somerset.
This new approach to bus travel means buses will go where they're needed, without set timetables or routes.
Communities which have traditionally struggled to sustain timetabled services due to low passenger demand will now be catered for.
Smaller vehicles will be used, which will have less environmental impact. These smaller buses will also be able to access roads which larger commercial buses cannot.
A number of bus services were cut in North Somerset last year so this will be good news for those communities.
The DRT zones in North Somerset are still being considered and will be adjusted over time to cater for demand.
The broad areas expected to begin with are:
- Clevedon/Portishead/Yatton
- Weston-super-Mare (Locking, Hutton, Worlebury and surrounding hamlets)
- the south east of North Somerset, including Bristol Airport
- the south west/south east of North Somerset, including Axbridge in Somerset.
We’ve been working with the West of England Combined Authority on contracts for these new services, which are due to start running from Monday 3 April.
Initially there will be 16 buses in North Somerset, running from 7am until 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
You’ll be able to book a journey by phone or through a mobile app.
The buses can be used for short trips or to connect to the wider public transport network.
Prices will be in-line with fares for local buses and Diamond Travel concessionary passes will be accepted, along with the West of England multi-operator ticketing for seamless onward travel.
We’ll share news over the coming weeks about how to access the new services.
Follow the public transport team on Facebook and Twitter for updates.