The Bus Advisory Board is scheduled to meet on 14 October 2025 to discuss a range of topics related to bus services in Somerset. These include proposed bus timetable changes for the years 2026-2030, an update on the Bus Service Improvement Plan, the results of the 2025 bus passenger survey, and updates from bus operators. The meeting will also include an update from the Chair of the Bus User and Stakeholders Group.

Bus Timetable Changes 2026-2030

The Bus Advisory Board is expected to discuss and agree upon a schedule for bus timetable changes over the next five years. The proposed timetable change dates are:

• 2026: 5 April and 30 August
• 2027: 4 April and 29 August
• 2028: 2 April and 3 September
• 2029: 1 April and 2 September
• 2030: 7 April and 1 September

The report pack includes a recommendation that bus operators subject to Somerset's Enhanced Partnership (EP) agree to these dates. The report pack also suggests specific dates for consultation and registration periods in 2026, as follows:

The report pack also recommends that operators provide proposed bus timetables according to the schedule set out in the table, to ensure they can be published with the agenda for the relevant Bus Advisory Board meeting. The report pack also contains a recommendation that operators continue to use the proforma¹ for presenting proposed timetable changes at future Board Meetings.

Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Update

The Bus Advisory Board is scheduled to receive an update on the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). BSIP is a document produced by local transport authorities that sets out a vision for improving bus services in their area. The government asked for these plans to be produced in 2021, and made funding available to support the improvements.

Bus Passenger Survey 2025

The Bus Advisory Board is scheduled to discuss the results of the Bus Passenger Survey 2025. Bus passenger surveys are conducted to gather feedback from passengers on their experiences using bus services. The results of these surveys can be used to identify areas where improvements are needed and to track progress over time.

Service Updates from Operators

The Bus Advisory Board is scheduled to receive updates from various bus operators. These updates may include information on the impact of the government's £3 fare², BSIP-funded schemes, and any other relevant updates. Representatives from the following bus and train operators are expected to be in attendance:

• First Bus: James Eustace and Doug Claringbold and Rob Pymm
• Southwest Coaches: Peter Fairey
• FromeBus: Andy Young
• Libra Travel: Chris Higgs
• Hatch Green: Nick Hutt and Josh Strickland
• Bakers Dolphin: Max Fletcher
• Southwest Community Transport: Victoria Butcher
• Faresaver: Daniel Pickford
• Stagecoach: Simon Ford
• Berrys Coaches: James Berry
• National Express: Amy Poole
• South Western Railway: Andrew Ardley
• Cross-Country Trains: Richard Gibson

Update from the Chair of the Bus User and Stakeholders Group

Peter Travis, Chair of the Bus User & Stakeholder Group, is scheduled to provide a verbal update to the Bus Advisory Board. The Bus User and Stakeholders Group is a group of people who use buses and have an interest in bus services.