Image
WESTlink launched last year as a responsive service where buses run without a set timetable or route.
The minibuses provide useful transport links across the area and reconnect communities that were previously cut-off from mainstream bus services.
Since launching last April more than 110,000 trips have been made on WESTlink.
The service has been consistently under review since then and from Monday 8 April there will be changes to make it more reliable.
These changes include:
- smaller WESTlink zones to reduce long trips and increase availability for more users
- removing WESTlink from areas which are already well-served by regular bus services
- adding in places requested by residents, such as Hutton Moor Leisure Centre and Audley Redwood Retirement Village
- implementing an app feature where if a suitable bus service can be used to complete the user's requested journey, they won't be offered a WESTlink (they'll be shown where and when to catch the bus instead)
- allowing people with already-purchased AvonRider multi-operator bus tickets to use them on WESTlink.
Maps showing the new zones will be available on the TravelWest website from next week.
WESTlink fares are capped at £2 for a single journey until December 2024.
We’ve launched WESTlink with the West of England Combined Authority as part of North Somerset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
The BSIP supports our commitment to create a bus transport network that will become faster, more convenient, coordinated and better for the environment and your pocket than running a car.
Working in partnership with the Combined Authority, our local BSIP supports our vision to encourage everyone to ‘walk or wheel’ where possible, helping to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
When that’s not possible, bus travel is encouraged to be the first choice over car usage, helping ease traffic congestion and creating a greener way to travel.
We are delivering this programme by working closely with local bus operators.