Somerset Measures into Place Following Cessation of WebberBus

Bus operator the Buses of Somerset is assisting Somerset County Council with providing additional bus routes following the cessation of WebberBus’s services on Friday (13 May).

The Buses of Somerset has agreed with the Council that it will cover those WebberBus routes, which do not have an alternative bus service, on an emergency basis. The company has taken over all of these routes apart from one, which will be operated by its sister company, First West of England.

WebberBus’s eight contracted school routes will be covered by five operators under an arrangement with the Council. Two of these routes will be run by the Buses of Somerset.

WebberBus ran 20 routes over 15 corridors, including town services in Bridgwater, Minehead and Taunton in competition with First. It also competed against First on 11 other routes.

It also recently introduced a new service to the Polden villages after First’s withdrawal from the area.



Commenting on the arrangements, Alex Carter, Managing Director of the Buses of Somerset, said: “Our main priority is to ensure that Somerset bus customers are provided with a good bus service. We are working closely with Somerset County Council to ensure that all affected routes previously run by WebberBus are covered.
“Of course, we will accept WebberBus tickets up to their expiry dates on all services so that customers are not left out of pocket.”

He added: “On Thursday, we were able to provide emergency services to colleges to ensure that no students were left stranded. We are now working up plans with Council officials to see how we can assist with maintaining these vital services to schools and colleges in the area.”
The Buses of Somerset is part of FirstGroup plc, operating services between Taunton, Bridgwater, Wells, Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare and Minehead.