People across the West of England are being invited to shape the future of local bus services as part of the West of England’s Mayoral Combined Authority’s new Bus Plan.
The consultation, which opens today (30 March) and runs until 10 May, is a chance for everyone in the West to help shape improvements across the region.
It is a chance for people in the West to share what is most important to them when it comes to buses whether that is frequency, making it easier to use multiple routes in one journey, or going green.
This follows the Transport Vision published last month by the Mayor and council leaders, which set out shared ambitions for reliable, affordable bus services.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“We want to help more people across our region to get home sooner, get out into nature more, and explore the best the West has to offer, rather than being stuck waiting for a bus or in traffic.
“Residents, businesses, bus users, and people who don’t get the bus too, can have their say about what matters most, to help shape improvements for our buses, as we build a transport network that people can trust.
“We have secured a record-breaking investment in transport in the West from the government, and are planning to invest £150 million into bus improvements. With your feedback we can make sure that we get the most out of our huge investment into regional transport and deliver the bus network we all deserve.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Deputy Mayor of the West of England and Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:
“Buses are vital for people in Bath & North East Somerset – whether that’s getting to work or education, accessing healthcare, or staying connected to our city, towns and rural communities.
“This consultation is an opportunity for residents to help shape a bus network that is more reliable, easier to use and better value for money. Their experiences and priorities must be central to how investment in bus services is taken forward.
“With significant funding proposed for bus improvements across the region, it’s essential we get this right for Bath & North East Somerset by improving frequency, connections and confidence in the network, so more people feel able to leave the car at home.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:
“Good public transport affects everyone in Bristol, not just people who use buses. We want everyone to have their say and help shape improvements to bus services across the city and the wider West of England.
“We know how important transport investment is. Through the Transport Vision, and funding from WECA and the government, we will keep working together to make travel in the West of England quicker, more reliable and more sustainable.”
Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said:
“This survey is an opportunity for you to help shape the future of bus services across our region. Your inputs will build on the results already received from the travel and transport survey in North Somerset last year, helping us go further in understanding what people need from their day-to-day journeys. The earlier responses are already helping to spark a wider conversation about what a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable transport network should look like for North Somerset, and this next step will ensure bus improvements are part of that vision. I’d encourage everyone to take part and have their say.”
Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“Improving our bus network is a priority, but we can only do it by understanding what people really need. Funding is limited, and it’s important we put it where it will make the biggest difference. We’re encouraging residents to take part and tell us their experiences, what’s working, what isn’t, and what would help you choose the bus more often. Your views will directly shape the future offer.”
Scan the QR code below or visit haveyoursaywest.co.uk/betterbuses (nb. survey goes live from Monday) and have your say from now until 10 May. Paper copies are available at Bath and Bristol bus stations. You can also contact your local library to see if they have any in stock.
Since last Spring, families in the West have saved more than £2 million through Kids Go Free and the £1 child fare cap – which has recently been extended until Spring 2029. The Bus Plan survey launches ahead of the return of Kids Go Free during the Easter school holidays, from 3 to 19 April.
The West is one of the best-funded regions in the country when it comes to the number of electric buses. Soon there will be 250 green buses across the region, meaning that more modern, reliable bus travel is delivering cleaner air and quieter streets too.
National research by the Urban Transport Group recently found that bus passenger numbers in the West of England grew by the second fastest rate in the whole country between 2024 and 2025 – with a 6 per cent rise, compared to the English average increase of 1 per cent.
Improvements to the bus network in the West are already being seen on people’s journeys and in their pockets. Together we can make it even better.
Please take the time to have your say, because the next stop is better buses.
