WESTlink reaches 500,000 journeys
WESTlink, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s flexible, bookable transport service, has now provided 500,000 journeys.
Rides are capped at eight miles, with the exception of journeys between Thornbury and Southmead Hospital, with passengers connected to the wider transport network for longer journeys, making route planning simpler.
The change follows Stockwood being added to the WESTlink area, allowing even more people to request their ride, and hop on board.
With more people than ever able to use WESTlink, new users can get two free journeys as an introductory offer. The free rides must be used by 31 October.
WESTlink allows people to choose when and where to travel. Unlike a normal bus, there are no fixed routes or timetables. Instead, journeys can be booked on the WESTlink app or by phone.
A new journey planner on the app shows WESTlink journeys which are eight miles or less, with advice on how to connect to the wider transport network for passengers who need to travel further including by bus or train.
The WESTlink app provides the most direct route on public transport, including to destinations not within the WESTlink area in central Bath and Bristol.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“WESTlink is a real help for many people in the West of England who do not have easy access to our bus network.
“Our extension and improvement of the service makes it easier than ever for people to travel across our region and reach vital destinations including our biggest hospitals and employment hubs.
“We know good connectivity is important to people, especially to those living in rural areas, and will continue building the transport network we need to really help get the West moving.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council; Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West of England; Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council; and Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said in a joint statement:
“Public transport is vital for people across the West of England and everyone should have the option to travel by public transport.
“The changes to the WESTlink network mean a more reliable, efficient service for passengers, connecting them to even more locations across the region.
“We will continue to engage with local residents, councillors and campaigners as we work with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and bus operators to deliver the best transport network we can.”
These improvements follow a record-breaking year for WESTlink, with service availability improving by 10% and passenger use increasing by 15%.
To support the expanded service area and new journey opportunities, WESTlink operates on a distance-based fare structure, reflecting the length of each journey.
The fares are:
- 0 to 4 miles: Currently £2.60
- 4 to 8 miles: Currently £3.00
Child fares remain unchanged, at £1 per single journey, thanks to the West of England’s fare freeze.
The latest WESTlink enhancements represent another step forward in creating a more connected and accessible transport network across the West of England, giving passengers greater flexibility, improved reliability and better links to bus and rail services across the region.
Further improvements are set to be made to the bus network in the West of England, following the Better Buses consultation earlier this year.
Original press release by The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
