People across the West of England are being invited to help shape the future of local bus services as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority launches a major public consultation on its new Bus Plan.
The consultation, which runs until 10 May, asks residents to share what matters most to them when it comes to bus travel – including service frequency, easier connections between routes, improved reliability and greener, more sustainable transport options.
The initiative follows the Vision published last month by the Mayor and regional council leaders, setting out shared ambitions for reliable, affordable, and accessible bus services across the West.
Since spring last year, families in the region have saved over £2 million thanks to Kids Go Free and the £1 child fare cap, which has recently been extended until spring 2029. The launch of the Bus Plan survey coincides with the return of Kids Go Free during the Easter school holidays.
The West of England is also one of the best‑funded regions in the country for electric buses. Soon, 250 zero‑emission buses will be operating across the network, helping to deliver:
- Modern, quiet and reliable services
- Cleaner air in towns and cities
- Lower carbon emissions across the region
According to recent national research by the Urban Transport Group, bus passenger numbers in the West of England grew at the second‑fastest rate of any region between 2024 and 2025, increasing by 6%, compared with an England‑wide average of just 1%.
Regional leaders say the growth shows the impact of investment in the bus network, alongside improved services and value‑for‑money initiatives that make public transport more attractive.
The West of England Combined Authority says the Bus Plan will guide future investment and service design, making the consultation a crucial opportunity for residents to shape how the region’s bus network evolves over the coming years.
People taking part in the survey can comment on key areas such as:
- Bus reliability and punctuality
- Service frequency and coverage
- Accessibility and connections between routes
- Cost and affordability
- Greener, cleaner buses
- How information and ticketing could be improved
WECA says improvements already being delivered are reducing travel costs and improving journey quality – but public input will help drive further progress.
West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said:
“We want to help more people across our region to get home sooner, get out into nature more, and explore the best the West has to offer, rather than being stuck waiting for a bus or in traffic.
“Residents, businesses, bus users, and people who don’t get the bus too, can have their say about what matters most, to help shape improvements for our buses, as we build a transport network that people can trust.
“We have secured a record-breaking investment in transport in the West from the government, and are planning to invest £150 million into bus improvements. With your feedback we can make sure that we get the most out of our huge investment into regional transport and deliver the bus network we all deserve.”
With major investment in electric vehicles, affordable fares, improved reliability and increased passenger numbers, leaders say the West is already seeing the benefits of long‑term planning.
Image credit: iStock
