The simple answer is that, over many years, Somerset Council has spent far less to support its bus services than other rural councils in our region.

 

Just look at this chart to understand what we mean.

 

Regardless of which political party has been in charge, our buses have not had the backing from councillors that they need. As a result, many services are infrequent, some rural communities have no buses at all, while in large parts of the county there are no evening or Sunday services.

 

The Council has argued that it doesn't have sufficient funding to afford more support for buses.

 

But all councils are in the same boat. For all of them, their funding has been cut by central government. Their ability to raise council tax has been constrained. And yet, as our chart shows, neighbouring councils spend a lot more per head of population than Somerset does.

 

It all comes down to political priorites. Do our councillors think buses are important or not? The councillors in Cornwall, Devon and other southwest local authorities really value the role buses play in the life of their communities - whether it's about getting to work, attending health appointments, shopping or seeing friends and family. 

 

It's now time for our councillors in Somerset to give local bus services the priority they deserve and fund them properly.