THE decision to retain Keynsham’s K1 community bus has been hailed as a victory for common sense.
As reported previously, the K1 was due to be replaced by a new K2 service following a different route on July 26. But shortly before the change was set to be introduced, West of England Mayor Helen Godwin announced that Keynsham can keep both services.
The K1 and K2 will both be funded until at least March 2029 by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which Ms Godwin leads, and the Government’s bus grant.
The announcement that the K1 will continue ended months of uncertainty of the popular bus, which serves Bilbie Green, south Keynsham, the town centre, the Chocolate Quarter, St Augustine’s Surgery and Keynsham railway station.
Councillor Dave Biddleston was among those who campaigned for the future of the K1 to be secured.
Describing the news as a “a victory for common sense”, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted that WECA has listened and recognised just how important the K1 is to our community.
“This was a genuine community campaign. Residents, businesses, schools, healthcare providers and community organisations all came together to make the case that the K1 isn’t simply a bus service, it’s a lifeline.”
He added: “I’d encourage everyone to use it more, that way we can begin our arguments for the town to have a K3.”
Residents highlighted the importance of the route for schoolchildren travelling independently to Wellsway School from Bilbie Green, older residents accessing the Chocolate Quarter, patients attending appointments at St Augustine’s Surgery, and people travelling into the town centre and railway station.
Cllr Biddleston said: “I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to write emails, complete consultations, speak to councillors, share their experiences on social media and encourage others to support the campaign. Every single message helped demonstrate the real value of the K1.
“I’d particularly like to thank the residents of the Chocolate Quarter, Wellsway School, local community groups, businesses and the many individuals who contacted WECA directly. Your voices were heard.”
He also welcomed WECA’s willingness to reconsider its position.
“I appreciate that WECA has listened to the evidence and to the strength of local feeling. Changing course is never easy, and I welcome the decision to keep this vital service running.”
He said he looks forward to continuing to work with WECA and local residents to ensure the K1 continues to thrive until its review in March 2029.
He added: “There are still improvements to be made for Keynsham. However laudable the intention, not everyone is able to cycle, and provision should be made for bus transport, equal to the provision that B&NES is giving for cyclists.”
The new K2 serves the following stops: The Chocolate Quarter, Keynsham Station, Post Office, Memorial Park, Limekilns Close, Hurn Lane, Sunnymead, Courtenay Road, Cadbury Road, Tilley Close, Martock Road, Hurn Lane – East, Minsmere Road, Cherwell Road, Lambourn Road, Chandag Road, Unity Road, Ellsbridge House, Wellsway, Ashton Way, Keynsham Church, Arcadius Way.
The timetables for the K1 and K2 can be found by using the WEST journey planner at https://travelwest.info/
K1 bus decision ‘victory for common sense’
