Local bus operator The Buses of Somerset is assisting Somerset County Council following the close of WebberBus operations earlier this month.
The operator has agreed with the Council that it will cover all WebberBus routes that do not have any emergency services provided. The company has already taken over these routes, apart from one already being operated by its sister company – First West of England.
Two of the areas school routes previously serviced by WebberBus will be operated by Buses of Somerset, with the remaining six already being covered.
Alex Carter, Managing Director of The Buses of Somerset, commented: “”Our main priority is to ensure that Somerset bus customers are provided with a good bus service. We are working closely with Somerset County Council to ensure that all affected routes previously run by WebberBus are covered.
“Of course, we will accept WebberBus tickets up to their expiry dates on all services so that customers are not left out of pocket.”
He added: “On Thursday, we were able to provide emergency services to colleges to ensure that no students were left stranded. We are now working up plans with Council officials to see how we can assist with maintaining these vital services to schools and colleges in the area.”
A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “It’s very early days and our immediate focus has been making sure there was cover for all the services as of Friday (May 13) morning. That was a major achievement and these arrangements will cover the coming weeks.
“We will be speaking to operators about the longer term, reviewing the routes and seeing what coverage is possible and affordable. School transport services will obviously be maintained and we will be looking at other routes in due course.”
