Skip to content

BUS IT Campaign

Last year Somerset Council launched their Bus It campaign to safeguard four key bus routes serving Somerset communities.

This saw passenger numbers increase across the four at risk routes – the 25, 28, 54, 58/58A and they have been safeguarded for the next year.

However, their efforts don’t stop there… 

They have now launched the next phase of the Bus It campaign and would like your support in spreading the word.  

It’s vitally important to promote these services and with bus fares set to remain at £2 for a single journey until December 2024, the Council would like your help to promote the affordability of bus travel and encourage more people including their friends and families from different areas within the County to make the most of the 25, 28, 54, and 58 routes.

The campaign focuses on the activities that can be enjoyed and the wonderful places and landscapes to explore along the routes including trekking in Exmoor National Park, a day on the beach in Minehead, and visiting the Levels and Yeovil Country Park. 

Below are the areas impacted. You may not be active in these areas but have friends, family or networks who are. If this is the case, please help spread the word – thank you.

  • 25 – Taunton to Dulverton
    • Stopping at: Taunton, Norton Fitzwarren,  Cotford St Luke, Hillcommon, Milverton, Wiveliscombe, Langley Corner, Waterrow, Shillingford, Bampton, Brushford, Dulverton.
  • 28/28A/X28  – Taunton to Minehead
    • Stopping at: Taunton, Norton Fitzwarren (28A only), Cotford St Luke (28A only), Norton Manor Camp (28 only), Bishop’s Lydeard, Seven Ash, Bicknoller, Williton (Gliddons X28 only), Watchet, Washford, Dunster, Minehead.
  • 54 – Taunton to Yeovil
    • Stopping at: Taunton, Henlade, Wrantage, Thornfalcon, Fivehead, Curry Rivel, Pitney, Langport, Somerton, Ilchester, Yeovil and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
  • 58 – Yeovil to Wincanton
    • Stopping at: Yeovil, Nether Compton Corner, Sherborne, Oborne, Milborne Port, Henstridge, Stalbridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton, Wincanton.

Somerset Council kicked off the campaign with the focus on dogs going free – you can read the release here:

 Somerset is blessed with fantastic countryside, historic sites, towns and beaches and fabulous dog walks. 

 So, with fares still at £2 for any single journey the message is leave the car at home, take the bus and why not take your dog too?

Over the coming weeks the Summer Bus It campaign will highlight great places, days out and activities in our county you can get to by bus.

The first phase of the Bus it campaign – supported by the Somerset Bus Partnership, local communities and Buses of Somerset – saw passenger numbers increase across four at risk route, in some cases by up to 50 per cent more each week.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said:

“Our buses connect some of Somerset’s most beautiful locations and are a cheap and convenient way to get out and enjoy the countryside which is good for your health and local businesses.
“You can head to the beach on the 28, Exmoor on the 25 or explored the Levels and South Somerset on the 54 and 58. Well-behaved dogs travel for free, so you can have a great day out with your four-legged friend for under a fiver.”

James Eustace, Commercial Director, Buses of Somerset, said:

“With so many beautiful places to explore in Somerset, why not catch the bus to take in some of the county’s most stunning scenery?
“With the current £2 fare cap still in place this summer, passengers have the chance to take these journeys at exceptional value for money.”