North Somerset is set to receive nearly £5 million in a boost to bus service funding. 

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh confirmed today that North Somerset Council will benefit from a £4,878,543 investment over the 2025 to 2026 financial year. 

It comes as the council is set to host bus forums where members of the public can have their say in the future of bus travel in the area. 

The move is part of a “once-in-a-generation reform” aimed at delivering “London-style bus services to every corner of the country”. 

More than £1 billion will be invested nationally, with £83 million going into the South West, as the government seeks to improve and protect crucial bus services across the country. 

Areas which have been “historically underserved” will be a priority, but services in every region in England will benefit from the funding.  

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), the investment will enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting.  

It will prevent service reductions on at-risk routes and improve punctuality across England, to bring an end to the current postcode lottery of unreliable services.   

The DfS acknowledged that “services have consistently suffered” due to “complicated and inconsistent funding which have ultimately impacted the passenger”. 

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “The value of regular and reliable bus services cannot be understated.      

“For far too long, the South West has been suffering from unreliable services with buses hugely delayed, or not even turning up at all.       

“This funding kickstarts the bus revolution to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services, drive economic growth and make sure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities.     

“We’ve already committed over £150 million to extend the bus fare cap and keep fares low and this nearly £1billion of further funding will mean local routes are protected, reliability is improved and the passenger is put first.”    

Later this month, locals are invited to discuss the future of bus travel in North Somerset at two forums hostel by the council.

The first forum will be held online on Monday 25 November and the second in Clevedon on Wednesday 27 November.    

Those that attend can address bus operators and the council directly, sharing their experiences of bus travel as well as ideas for improvements or changes they’d like to see.