THE WESTlocal K1 bus service in Keynsham has celebrated its first successful year of operation.
Run by The Big Lemon, a sustainable transport social enterprise, the K1 provides a cross-Keynsham route, connecting neighbourhoods across the town.
Keynsham Town Council says that, since its introduction in September 2024, the service has been well received by residents, with consistently positive feedback from passengers. Users have praised the K1 for its reliability and friendly drivers, who have gone above and beyond to support their passengers.
One resident shared how a driver helped by lifting her buggy on and off the bus while she was travelling with two children from Linnet Way to the High Street.
On another occasion, a driver helped a passenger reach her doctor’s appointment at the Chocolate Quarter, even accompanying her to the surgery door during his break.
A council spokesperson said: “Keynsham Town Council is really pleased that the K1 bus service is popular with the community and user numbers are good.
“The K1 bus service is proving to be a great link for the wider Keynsham neighbourhood.”
The K1 runs hourly between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 7pm on Saturdays, connecting Linnet Way, Queens Road, the town centre, Keynsham train station, and the Chocolate Quarter.
Fares are £1 short hops, £2 single, and £3 return.
Children and students travel half price, and the service provides transportation to several local schools.
Passengers wishing to travel further can also use Bristol Rider and Avon Rider tickets to connect at Ashton Way and the High Street for services to Bristol and Bath.
Meanwhile, plans are progressing for the introduction of an additional community bus service, the K2. The town council is working with its bus operator and the local authority to compile the information needed for a funding application to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
While there is no assurance that funding for a second service will be secured, the town council remains hopeful that the proven success of the K1 will demonstrate Keynsham’s need and capacity to run an equally successful K2 service.
When asked if the K2 would serve Keynsham East, a council spokesperson said: “At this stage we cannot confirm the area of Keynsham it will cover, only that it will be separate from the other route. We have taken residents’ comments into consideration.”
WESTlocal services are funded by WECA’s bus grant from UK government until March 2026. For more information and full timetables, visit travelwest.info/westlocal/k1-keynsham
K1 bus is a success – will a K2 be next?
