A transport campaigner in Somerset is celebrating a series of wins following a grassroots push for better bus services.
Cllr David Northey, a Liberal Democrat member of Taunton Town Council, has secured improvements across the town through 14 months of campaigning on behalf of residents in Wellsprings, Pyrland, and north Taunton.
He said: "It started with lobbying for the retention of the 6:22am bus from Wellsprings and Pyrland into the Parade.
"This was an important early morning journey, particularly for people needing to get into Taunton in time to start work at 7am.
"But it soon became clear to me that we could do more."
Cllr Northey identified a gap in the network for early morning travel to Musgrove Park Hospital, one of Taunton’s largest employers.
He said: "Working with the team at First Bus, I have been pressing for the first two Route 1 buses from Pyrland to be extended beyond the town centre.
"I am therefore delighted that, from September 1, the first two morning buses will be extended to serve County Hall, Parkfield Drive for Musgrove Park Hospital, and Somerset College."
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Cllr Northey said the changes would make a "very real difference" for residents needing to arrive for 7am and 8am shifts without relying on cars, taxis, or lengthy walks.
He also welcomed improvements to evening services, with the 1E now serving Glen Close, Ludlow Avenue, and Rochester Road and running around 15 minutes later from the Park & Ride.
He said: "For me, this is what improving public transport should be about: looking at when people actually need to travel, where they need to get to and making sensible changes to the timetable and route."
Students will also benefit, with Route 54 from September serving Richard Huish College on its first morning and afternoon journeys.
Mr Northey plans to continue campaigning, including for Sunday services and better roadside infrastructure.
He said: "The changes from 1 September demonstrate that campaigning can make a difference.
"They are not the end of the journey.
"They are another step towards the reliable, connected, and accessible bus network Taunton needs."
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