BSIP news

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Bus fares

Kids Go Free on buses in the West

Children and young people aged under 16 enjoyed free travel on buses across the West this summer, thanks to Kids Go Free. During the school summer holidays, children and young people took over 910,000 journeys for free, a significant jump in youngsters getting on the bus compared to the same time last year. Kids Go Free gave families and young people a more affordable transport option to explore the West and enjoy activities such as the Gromit Trail in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare beach and seafront, Clevedon's Marine Lake, and to get to cinemas, shops and days out throughout our region.

Free bus travel extended for care leavers

Young people leaving care, aged up to 25, are able to travel free on buses in the wider region, thanks to funding secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.

This investment is an extension to the popular existing scheme, for 18 to 21-year-olds, which has been running since November 2023. Each young person in the West Country who takes up the current offer saves up to £950 a year.

For those eligible, details of how to apply for a WESTpass, which can be used on all the main bus companies and WESTlink vehicles, can be found on the Westfares website

Free bus travel available all day for disabled residents

People in North Somerset with an eligible disability can now travel for free on local buses at any time of day, every day of the week. This includes peak busy travel times.

The change means that disabled bus pass holders no longer need to wait until after 9am on weekdays to travel for free. The aim is to make it easier for people who are disabled to get to work, appointments, education, and social events. 

The enhanced travel benefit will run from the start of April until 31 March 2026. 

The new 24/7 free travel option is a joint initiative of North Somerset Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. It covers bus journeys that start in North Somerset, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, or South Gloucestershire. 

It applies to most local bus services and operators, including Big Lemon, First Bus (including metrobus services), Park & Ride services and WESTLink.

For more information about the scheme and the application process to get a disabled persons travelcard, visit the TravelWEST website.

Service changes

North Somerset communities saw changes to bus services in the region from Sunday 31 August 2025. 

Service changes are put in place every April and August/September by bus operators, based on passenger numbers and community needs and input from North Somerset Council. These changes are delivered in consultation with North Somerset Council and the University of Bristol.

To make services in Weston-super-Mare clearer for customers, two existing Weston town services – the 7B and 7H – were replaced by an extended version of service X5. The service runs cross-town through Weston approximately every 70 minutes, Monday to Saturday, linking Bleadon Hill and Hutton with Clevedon and Portishead via Weston Hospital, Coronation Estate, Weston College and Worle. As a result, Bleadon Hill regained a Saturday service.

X5 journeys from Weston follow the former 7B route to Bleadon Hill before continuing to Hutton, while inbound journeys from Hutton follow the old 7H route to Weston Interchange and then continue as the existing X5 to Clevedon and Portishead.

Following consultation between First Bus, North Somerset Council and the University of Bristol, the U2 service between Bristol and Langford now runs through to Weston-super-Mare, creating a new direct link between south Weston, Banwell, Sandford, Churchill, and Bristol.

For the full list of changes, visit the First Bus website.

Find the new timetables on travelwest.info.

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Road and bus lane updates

Queensway, New Bristol Road and B3440

Works are underway to improve traffic flow in Worle, with changes planned to the Queensway, New Bristol Road and B3440 junctions. These changes aim to ease congestion on one of the main routes in and out of Weston-super-Mare. 

The planned changes are:

Two new roundabouts: the current signal-controlled junctions at Queensway/Walford Avenue and Bristol Road/B3440 will be replaced with two linked roundabouts. This redesigned layout will help traffic move more freely and efficiently, especially during peak times.

Improvements to existing roundabouts: minor but effective upgrades are also planned for two existing roundabouts on New Bristol Road:

  • Victory Roundabout (by the Sainsbury’s trading estate entrance)
  • The Summerhouse Pub Roundabout

Bus priority enhancements:

The B3440 slip roads, which connect the A370 to M5 Junction 21, will be updated with new bus lanes and smart traffic signals. These signals use GPS technology to detect approaching buses and give them priority, supporting more reliable public transport.

This package of improvements aims to reduce delays, improve bus infrastructure and create a road network better prepared for the future.

 

Backwell A370 crossroads

Following further engagement with Backwell Councillors, changes have been made to plans for Backwell crossroads.  

We will no longer be taking forward the bus lane option as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan programme. We are progressing, however, with the installation of smart traffic lights at Backwell, with works now expected to begin in spring next year. 

We are still committed to achieving efficient, reliable, frequent bus services which enable more people choose public transport and help to reduce the volume of traffic on local roads for other users.  

It has been important to hear the views of Backwell Ward and Parish Members throughout this process, and we are committed to continuing close engagement as we move forward on the detail of the revised plans and their implementation. 

 

Rownham Hill

Improvements to traffic flow, bus services, and pedestrian and cyclist access at a key junction on the outskirts of Bristol are scheduled to begin later this year. The upgrades will focus on the A369 Rownham Hill junction with Bridge Road and Ashton Court.

Following extensive community feedback during spring 2024, alongside ongoing traffic surveys, some changes were made to the original plans. Notably, bus lanes in both directions of the A369 have been removed from the scheme to better reflect local views.

What to expect:

Smart traffic signals: new intelligent signals will detect traffic movement and co-ordinate with nearby junctions to improve overall flow. They will also use GPS technology to prioritise buses approaching the junction, helping to speed up public transport journeys.

Upgraded bus stops: bus stops at Bridge Road and North Road will receive modern shelters featuring real-time information screens, comfortable recycled plastic seating, and larger waiting areas to improve passenger experience.

Improved footpaths and cycleways: The shared footpath and cycleway along Ashton Court’s boundary, as well as the footpath between Beggar Bush Lane and North Road on Abbots Leigh Road, will be enhanced for safer walking and cycling.

Better crossing facilities: Pedestrian crossings near Bridge Road on Rownham Hill and at the A369 Ashton Court entrance will be modernised to improve safety and accessibility.

These upgrades aim to create a safer, more efficient junction for all users, supporting smoother traffic flow, more reliable bus services, and better active travel options.

 

Lime Kiln 

Improvements are planned for the A38 Lime Kiln roundabout, a crucial junction on the outskirts of Bristol, with work scheduled to later this year. The project aims to future-proof this busy location—boosting bus service reliability, supporting sustainable transport, and improving capacity for all road users.

The roundabout is a key hub for several vital bus services, including the A1 Airport Flyer, A4 Air Decker, U2 Unibus, and the Falcon route. The A1 Airport Flyer alone sees more than 100,000 passenger journeys per month, with demand continuing to grow.

Planned improvements include:

New bus lanes on the A38 approaches: dedicated lanes will let buses bypass queues, improving reliability.

Bus gates at roundabout entrances: bus gates will be installed at the end of each bus lane, giving priority to buses as they enter the roundabout.

Improved pedestrian and cyclist crossings: the scheme may also include new toucan crossings on the Colliters Way arm and the A38 Bristol Airport arm of the roundabout, improving safety and access for those on foot and bike.

These improvements are designed to meet growing demand, and support more frequent and reliable public transport.

 

Clevedon schemes

Following initial engagement with the public, ward members, and the town council, as well as additional monitoring of the area, we have adjusted our plans for Clevedon.

We will not be proceeding with bus lanes on Southern Way and Central Way. Instead, we will implement additional road markings at roundabout entries to improve traffic flow and support better journeys for all road users.

Next steps: we are continuing to test proposed design changes for Moor Lane, Northern Way, Tickenham Road roundabout and All Saints Lane.

We will share updates on these plans and provide further details about the Clevedon proposals as soon as possible. 

 

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Bus stop enhancements

Improvements to bus stops and shelters in North Somerset continue as the next batch of upgrades are undertaken.

Around 150 bus stops located along North Somerset's main bus routes (service numbers 6, 7, X1, X4 & X5) will receive a makeover under the Bus Service Improvement Plan. 

Among some of the key features of the new bus stops are new shelter structures, increased space with bench seating including arm rests, new real time information screens with an audio and braille button, new low energy lighting, solar panels, and green ‘living roofs’ featuring up to 17 species of plants in urban areas.  

As well as upgrading stops and shelters, dozens of others will also be refurbished with new signage, more access to timetables, and general cleaning and maintenance.  

The improvements will be rolled out over several phases during the next 12 months, with the first wave of upgrades having already begun in January 2025.

The initiative will improve bus travel facilities for both residents and visitors, enhancing the overall public transport experience across the region.