BUS users in West Somerset are being encouraged to report issues with the Nos 28 and 25 and other services directly to MP Rachel Gilmour.

Mrs Gilmour, who recently met with senior representatives of First Bus, said people should use a form available on her website to report any travel issues.

Her meeting with the bus company followed hundreds of complaints from constituents in the past few months.

Mrs Gilmour said constituents had been frequently let down by late and overcrowded buses, particularly on Mondays and Fridays on the No 28 service, which were the changeover days for the Butlin’s holiday resort in Minehead.

West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour meeting First Bus managers to discuss complaints about the No 28 and 25 buses.
West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour meeting First Bus managers to discuss complaints about the No 28 and 25 buses. (Contributed)

Now, Mrs Gilmour has arranged to report back quarterly to First Bus, which will provide her with an opportunity to highlight recurring issues affecting passengers.

Mrs Gilmour said during her meeting First Bus made a number of commitments aimed at improving service reliability:

  • Nine extra electric buses, with six going specifically on the No 28 Minehead to Taunton route, all with increased seating and luggage capacity
  • New training for each bus driver on how to use storage units correctly, maximising the space available on each journey
  • Partnering with Somerset Council to mirror the existing No 28 6.50 am service for Richard Huish College students, making sure college students arrive in good time by 8.36 am
  • Organising ‘Meet the Manager’ sessions in Minehead, where local people have an opportunity to speak with First Bus directly, which improves service transparency
  • Meeting with Butlin’s representatives to work on how to ease the overcrowding issues on Monday and Friday changeover days

Mrs Gilmour said she had since created the website form for people to report to her on any travel issues, such as delays, overcrowding, and cancellations, which passengers had already started to do.

She said it would mean she was better placed to hold First Bus to account and push for improvements in service standards.

Mrs Gilmour said: “For far too long, the number 28 and number 25 bus services have been sub-par, as services are often late and overcrowded.

“After hearing from constituents time and time again, I am pleased that First Bus have listened to my calls and introduced new measures to improve services for local people.

“In an area like West Somerset, so many locals rely on the bus service to get to Taunton for work or medical appointments.

“With no direct train link, combined with an often-busy A39, a regular and reliable bus service is vital for our communities.

“I encourage all constituents who have recently used First Bus services, particularly the Number 28(A) or the 25(A) buses, to report any issues on my website.

“I am pleased that First Bus representatives have committed to improving their services, but now we must hold them to account.

“By reporting any issues you experience, I can show First Bus exactly what is happening and when issues occur.

“I will do all I can to ensure service standards are drastically improved.”