FUNDING for Keynsham’s local bus service has been secured for the next three years, it has been revealed.
The K1 will become the K2 from July 26. It is understood that its timetable will be published once its route has been finalised.
The K2 is among new and revised bus services across the region that are being launched with funding secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA).
WECA said: “In Keynsham, a review will look to ensure that connections currently offered by the K1 are protected going forward – with the new K2 and commercial 43 service in the meantime.”
Since its launch in September 2024, the K1 has linked neighbourhoods in south Keynsham – including Bilbie Green and the Bilbie Estate – with the town centre, Keynsham railway station, the Chocolate Quarter, and key local amenities such as St Augustine’s Surgery.
The K1 is currently run by The Big Lemon Bus Company. The operator of the K2 has yet to be announced.
The news that the future of Keynsham’s bus service has been secured has been welcomed by local Lib Dem councillors George Leach and Alex Beaumont.
Cllr Leach (Keynsham North, Bath & North East Somerset Council) said: “Myself and Alex would like to thank everyone who supported efforts to keep Keynsham connected, and a particular thanks to the residents of the Chocolate Quarter who collected over 340 signatures by hand for their petition for me to pass on to WECA.
“This is a great example of our community working together to save a valuable service.”
Among the Chocolate Quarter residents who campaigned for the bus to be retained was Yvonne Browne, who said: “It’s a great asset to its residents to know that they can get to the High Street in just a few minutes and visit three pharmacies, three opticians, one dentist, an osteopath, a jeweller, a cobbler, a PO, a bank hub, two solicitors, two funeral directors, several computer businesses, endless charity shops, various cafes and other eateries, a florist, a pub and a library, as well as Iceland for fish, and Tesco for everything else. What more could we want?
“Thanks to all who have campaigned for this. It’s exactly what we need here once we are car-less – better still, before.”
The K2 and the other new services are being funded by multi-million-pound investment from WECA’s three-year Bus Grant from the Department for Transport.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Our investment in these routes and services means better buses for passengers across the West Country and gives people certainty until at least spring 2029.”
Pictured, Chocolate Quarter residents celebrate with local councillors Alex Beamont (left), George Leach (right) and Souzan Leach Photo: Rob Browne
Relief as future of Keynsham bus service secured
