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Bus travel

Bus services and timetables

Travelwest offer complete travel and transport information for the West of England area including: 

  • journey planning 
  • bus timetables 
  • service changes

visit the Travelwest website for service information and timetables 

Commercial operators, with support from the council, review the existing bus network every year in April and September to update services in accordance with usage level and community needs. This process formalises commercial bus operator decisions and allows the council to react to any gaps in the network where possible with council funded supported services. 

The BSIP grant currently runs until March 2025 but after this time there is no guaranteed funding to support the services. So, if they cannot run to make a commercial profit, some routes might be cut in frequency or completely.

Download the Travelwest app

Alternatively, you can download the recommended mobile app. Details on how to download the app can be found on the Travelwest website.

WESTlink

WESTlink is minibus service that allows residents to book their bus journeys through an app, website or phone. This service is currently funded by BSIP. 

To find out what areas are covered and how to book, visit our WESTlink webpage.  

Using the WESTlink app 

Getting set up 

  1. download the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching WESTlink 
  2. for security it will ask you to confirm your mobile phone number - you will then receive a code by text that you need to input 
  3. set up your account by putting in your name, email address and password 
  4. add a payment card to your account to make buying tickets quicker and easier 

Booking a journey 

Once an account has been set up, it will recognise your current location and ask you to set a place you want to travel to. You can input an address or drag the pin.  

Confirm your destination. This can be any destination in your zone. You will be asked if you want to add any additional passengers travelling with you. 

You have two options on when to book:  

  • travel now 
  • pre-book 

Travel now 

To travel now, select this option. You will receive a trip proposal for when your WESTlink minibus will be with you. This will normally be between 5 and 45 minutes depending on demand and location. 

You can ask to arrive by a time or depart at a certain time. 

Pre-booking 

You can also choose to pre-book a trip for later up to the end of the following day. 

For pre-booked trips, you will receive an offer of a 30-minute pick up window. 30 minutes before that window you will then receive a text message with the pick-up time.  

Track your vehicle 

Whatever time you book, the app will show you: 

  • where the bus is 
  • when it is coming near you 
  • details of the vehicle picking you up
  • your journey along with any other pickups and drop offs on your route 
  • an estimated time of arrival 
  • details of any fixed route and normal bus services in the area, in case these work better for your travel 

Payment 

If you pay by credit or debit card, the app will take payment when your trip starts. Just get on board when the bus arrives.  

If you pay by cash or concessionary fare, you will need to pay on board or show proof of your discounted rate.