A recent survey carried out in Peasedown St John has revealed that residents are fed up with having to pay the extortionate bus fares set by First Bus.

Before Christmas, local B&NES Councillor Nathan Hartley and Somer Valley FM Radio show host Matt Clifford teamed up to carry out the survey seeking residents views. 

Overall, 100% of respondents said that the current fares were too high. It currently costs £4.10 for an adult return ticket between Peasedown St John and Bath. 

Local Councillor Nathan Hartley commented:

“I’m not surprised that everyone who returned our survey told us they want to pay less. The current bus fares on the A367 bus route are too high and passengers shouldn’t be expected to pay these rates.

Asking people what they think the price should be, 67% told us they thought the return fare between Peasedown St John and Bath should be less than £3.

Almost half of those questioned indicated that the adult return fare between Peasedown and Midsomer Norton should be no higher than £2.”

The survey also highlighted the infrequency of services throughout the day. Matt Clifford, who has spoken with many people about this issue and who works in Midsomer Norton, said:

“A large number of people who work in Midsomer Norton and Westfield live in Peasedown St John.

Unfortunately, those that don’t drive have to fit their work hours around the provision of bus services. At the moment, the earliest bus to arrive in the town from Peasedown is not until 8am.”

Many people believe that if we are serious about regenerating the Radstock and Midsomer Norton areas then there needs to be better investment in public transport. Gail Coleshill, the Prospective Lib Dem MP for North East Somerset, says that it’s good transport links that attract people to a particular community in the first place:

“I’ve questioned for many years the extortionate bus fares that travellers have had to pay to go into Bath from Norton-Radstock and Peasedown. If we are serious about regeneration in this area then all the agencies, the Council and bus service providers, need to work together to reduce costs and provide a service which encourages people to use their cars less.” 

Prospective MP Gail Coleshill

Other key findings from the survey include: 

• Over a third of respondents wanting to see a bus service between Peasedown St John and Misomer Norton every 15 minutes
• More bus services to serve Orchard Way
• More punctual and reliable bus services are needed that get people to work and school on time

The results of the survey have been sent to B&NES Council’s Public Transport Department, First Bus and Wessex Connect for their comments.