KEYNSHAM Labour members have pledged to take residents’ concerns directly to transport decision-makers following the survey they carried out on the impact of recent bus service changes in Keynsham.
The report based on the survey combines evidence from survey responses together with extensive feedback from residents on social media.
It highlights a number of concerns about the introduction of the new bus network, particularly around reliability, cancellations, bus stop arrangements and the provision of passenger information.
The survey found that about three-quarters of respondents felt services had become worse following the recent changes. The most frequently raised concerns included buses failing to arrive, delays, confusion over new routes and stopping locations, lack of timetables and route maps, and accessibility issues affecting elderly and disabled passengers.
At the same time, the report identified some positive feedback, including improved access to parts of Keynsham, better links to Bristol and longer operating hours on some routes.
Martin Burton, who helped coordinate the survey, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share their experiences.
“The response demonstrates how important local bus services are to residents and provides valuable evidence about the challenges people are facing since the changes were introduced.
“While some residents can see benefits in the revised network, there is a clear message that reliability, communication and implementation issues need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
“One of the issues raised was accessing the bus by people with mobility aids or pushchairs. First Bus has confirmed that drivers are able to lower the bus or provide a ramp to help people get on the bus. If this applies to you then please alert the driver.”
The report concludes that many of the concerns raised by residents relate not necessarily to the principle of the new routes themselves, but to the way the changes have been implemented and communicated.
In response to the findings, local Labour members will now be seeking meetings with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) and First Bus to discuss the issues raised and explore potential solutions.
Local BANES ward councillor David Biddleston said: “We want to work constructively with First Bus, WECA and BANES to ensure that residents’ concerns are properly heard and acted upon.
“Reliable and accessible public transport is essential for local people getting to work, education, healthcare appointments and leisure activities.
“The report provides a strong evidence base and we will be asking transport providers and local authorities what practical steps can be taken to improve reliability, provide better information for passengers and address the concerns that have been identified.”
The Labour team will share the findings with transport partners and continue to engage with residents as discussions progress.
Keynsham passengers rap bus changes in survey
