South Gloucestershire Council has agreed around £240,000 of additional funding to continue its support of the 84/85 bus service until September 2024, and extend the 918 school journey for the 2024/25 academic year.

Funding was approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 5 February where the reallocation of reserves was agreed.

The Council has worked in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council to extend the 84/85 so local communities including Cromhall and Hawkesbury Upton, remain connected with jobs and services in Wotton-under-Edge and Yate.

South Gloucestershire Council will also continue to work with partners, including The West of England Combined Authority to explore a long-term solution.

The 918 school service was due to end at the end of the current academic year but funding has been identified to agree an extension until July 2025.

It will provide school trips from Severn Beach to The Castle School in Thornbury and Marlwood School in Alveston, and is open to all members of the public, meaning children can continue to get to school safely and residents remain connected.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Service Director for Place Shaping, Emma Blackham said: “We are pleased to be able to offer an extension of the 84/85 service until September 2024 and continue the 918 for the 2024/25 academic year. We recognise how important the services are to residents and will continue to work with stakeholders to consider alternative options over the coming months. Connectivity to key services such as employment, health and education remains a top priority for the Council.”

South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet meeting papers can be found at https://council.southglos.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=16442

Local bus timetables can be found at https://travelwest.info/