Bath to Trowbridge bus has funding reinstated

Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes) says it has now secured the funding to keep the 94 bus going

A rural bus route which had half its funding cut because it crosses two counties, has had it reinstated.

The 94 bus, which runs between Bath and Trowbridge in Wiltshire, was funded 50:50 by Wiltshire Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes).

But after Banes withdrew funding in 2022, Wiltshire Council stepped in to fund the entire cost but said last year it was "unable to sustain this".

Banes has said it has now secured the funding to keep the bus going.

Banes is a member of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), the area's transport authority and does not commission buses directly.

Following a bitter row between Banes and WECA in 2022 - over who should pay for the area's supported buses - the 94 bus lost half its funding, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Wiltshire Council stepped in but there were concerns the "invaluable" rural bus would be axed after the authority warned WECA last year it would unable to continue for "much longer"

'In tears'

Banes councillor, Fiona Gourley, said more than 1,300 people had signed a petition to keep the "vital service".

"I have heard from so many people, including elderly residents ringing in tears, desperately worried about the loss of their buses, and the negative impact on their lives," she said.

"I am relieved that [Banes] has secured the funding and thank Wiltshire Council for their patience in continuing to keep the service running."

The 94 runs between Bath and Trowbridge via Claverton Town, Monkton Combe School, Limpley Stoke, Freshford, Westwood and Trowbridge

Julian Carpenter, from Freshford Parish Council said the service was "essential" for Freshford residents as there were "no alternative options".

"It's a lifeline for some in the village and a vital community amenity," he said.

Des Wighton, from Monkton Combe Parish Council, said the 94 bus was "invaluable".

"Now it is secure, we will work closely with communities along the route to encourage more people to use the 94 as this is better for the environment, the economy, and their health," he said.

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