CHANGES to bus services in Taunton are already proving popular with passengers, according to local campaigners.
From September 1, a number of adjustments were introduced to improve public transport links across the town.
The first two weekday Route 1 buses from Priorswood now continue on to serve County Hall, Musgrove Park Hospital at Manor Orchard, Taunton College and Tesco, providing new direct connections for commuters, healthcare workers and students.
To mark the launch of the revised service, campaigners travelled on the first buses to see how passengers were using the new routes.
Taunton bus changes create new direct links to hospital and college
The early signs have been encouraging. Two healthcare workers used the first extended bus and got off at Musgrove Park Hospital, while passengers on the second journey travelled to destinations including County Hall, the hospital and Taunton College.
One passenger, who was using the extended service for the first time, said she intended to use it every weekday going forward.
Campaigners from Somerset Bus Partnership said there was a sense of excitement and appreciation among passengers, who felt the changes would make getting to work and college easier and more convenient.
Attention then turned to the Ilminster Road Bus Gateway, where Route 54 has been altered to call directly outside Richard Huish College on weekdays.
Students using the service welcomed the change, which removes the need to get off in East Reach and complete the final part of their journey on foot.
The revised timetable also provides a direct journey home for students, with a service departing at 4.54pm.
Supporters of the improvements said the changes may appear modest but are already having a meaningful impact on those who rely on public transport.
Passengers are being encouraged to share their experiences of the new services and explain what the improvements mean to them.
Campaigners at Somerset Bus Partnership say they will continue pushing for further enhancements to the local bus network, including the introduction of Sunday services in Taunton and improved passenger facilities at the Ilminster Road Bus Gateway.
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