Opposition Spokesman Demands Assurance from Somerset Council to Safeguard Bridgwater Bus Services Amid First Bus Depot Closure
Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, the Opposition Spokesman for Transport and Digital on Somerset Council, has called for a strong commitment from Somerset Council to do all it can to safeguard bus services in Bridgwater after the recent confirmation of the closure of the Bridgwater bus depot by First Bus. He said, “I wanted reassurance that Somerset Council would be doing all they can to ensure that cuts to bus services are prevented and that the closure of the bus depot does not mean less bus services in Bridgwater.”
At the July meeting of Somerset Council, Councillor Rodrigues expressed concern about potential cuts to bus services in Bridgwater scheduled for September. First Bus revealed that the decision to close the Bridgwater depot was driven by "extremely challenging circumstances," including rising costs and passenger numbers below pre-covid levels.
Councillor Rodrigues emphasised the importance of fair distribution of the millions of pounds of government funding allocated to support bus services in Somerset, much of which has gone into Taunton. Councillor Mike Rigby, the Lead Member for Transport, responded that the Council would collaborate with First Bus to prevent cuts to bus services.
Somerset Conservatives are holding the LibDem-run Somerset Council accountable for ensuring the protection of bus services in Bridgwater. They expect the Council to take all necessary measures to prevent cuts and maintain public transport options for residents in Bridgwater and the wider county.
As the situation unfolds, the Somerset Conservatives will continue to apply pressure on Somerset Council, working tirelessly to safeguard bus services and advocate for the welfare of residents who rely on public transport.
