UNCERTAINTY remains over the long-term future of Keynsham’s K1 bus service, as the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) reviews funding for supported routes under its WESTlocal programme.
The K1, introduced in September 2024 and operated by The Big Lemon, was funded through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) allocations and designed to improve connectivity within the town.
Since its launch, the service has linked neighbourhoods in south Keynsham – including Bilbie Green and the Bilbie Estate – with the town centre, railway station, the Chocolate Quarter, and key local amenities such as St Augustine’s Surgery.
Early performance data and local reporting indicate that the K1 has been the most well-used of the WESTlocal services operating in Bath & North East Somerset, with passenger numbers growing steadily month by month.
For many families, the K1 provides a practical and reliable route for children travelling to Wellsway School from Bilbie Green and surrounding areas.
The route is also widely used by older residents. The connection to the Chocolate Quarter has proved valuable for shopping, social visits and community activities. And with St Augustine’s Surgery on the route, the service allows residents without private transport to attend GP appointments more easily.
Councillor Dave Biddleston has spoken about the importance of maintaining the service.
He said: “The K1 has quickly become part of everyday life in Keynsham and connects communities that previously had limited options.
“As the most widely used of the WESTlocal services in B&NES, it demonstrates that when a route reflects genuine local demand, people use it. I believe that should be recognised in future funding decisions.”
Rob Pearsall, principal of Wellsway School, has also spoken in support of the service.
He said: “The K1 bus is not simply a convenience for our pupils, it is a vital part of their school day.
“Many of our students travel from Bilbie Green and the south of Keynsham, and the service provides them with a safe, reliable and independent way to get to Wellsway each morning.
“Removing this route would place additional pressure on families and inevitably increase traffic around the school gates. Consistent and accessible transport is fundamental to attendance, punctuality and wellbeing.
“We strongly support the continuation of the K1 for the benefit of our pupils and the wider Keynsham community.”
Among the passengers who value the K1 service are the Gale family. Amber Gale said: “The K1 bus is good because it’s far to school, especially on rainy days and when it’s dark in the winter.”
Ethan Gale said: “I use it to get a connecting bus to college. We need more buses, not to lose the ones we have.”
And Lucy Gale said: “It’s been brilliant because walking with the family shopping from town can be really difficult.”
It is understood that Keynsham Town Council will continue to run the K1 service until March 31, the end of the financial year.
Its bus operator, The Big Lemon, and other operators have had to submit tenders for the running of community bus services like the K1 from April to July 2026 so that WECA can gather data and monitor services and passenger numbers.
The Big Lemon has confirmed it has already submitted its tender and is waiting to hear the outcome.
Dawn Drury, town clerk for Keynsham Town Council, said: “I believe that by August/September, WECA will be in a position to notify the town council whether the K1 has proved successful and that they will be funding the same in the future.
“At this stage, I am not sure whether the overseeing of the service will be passed back to the council or whether WECA will retain the running of the service.
Pictured, the Gale family, left to right, Ethan, Lucy, Amber and Nathan
Fears for Keynsham’s K1 bus over review of funding
