RESIDENTS are calling for urgent improvements to the main bus service between Taunton, Ilminster and Chard after a petition was launched demanding action.
In response, First Bus has said they consistently monitor and review all services and are looking at ways to enable additional journeys and resolve disruption.
Somerset Council has responded, saying it provides funding to support evening services on the 30-bus route and is not aware of any issues.
On September 30, Oscar Everard started a petition calling for improvements to the No. 30 bus service.
The petition has since attracted 455 signatures and describes the route as a “crucial part” of many people's daily lives.
He said: “Our daily lives are deeply intertwined with the reliability of public transport, and for many in Somerset, the 30-bus service is a crucial part of their day-to-day routine.”
In the petition, Mr Everard explained that his partner relies on the service to commute to work but is “constantly facing unforeseen challenges”, including delays and cancellations.
He said: “This is not just a personal inconvenience - it's an issue affecting many other commuters and families who depend on this critical link for their transport needs.”
Mr Everard said ongoing problems with the service have “far-reaching consequences”, including people being late for work, facing unexpected travel costs, waiting for long periods in poor weather conditions and travelling on overcrowded buses during peak times.
He added: “It is unacceptable that in 2026, a vital transport link fails so many people who rely on it for their everyday lives.”
The petition claims that 35 per cent of scheduled buses have been affected by delays or cancellations over the past year.
This figure has been contested by First Bus who claim fewer than one per cent of journeys have not operated on this route.
According to Mr Everard, the petition aims to encourage Somerset Council and First Bus to take immediate action to address the issues.
His proposals include increasing the frequency of buses during peak hours, introducing a more robust maintenance schedule to reduce vehicle breakdowns and improving real-time communication with passengers about delays and cancellations.
He has also suggested deploying double-decker buses at busy times, providing dedicated services for students and increasing capacity during peak commuting periods.
For example, rather than only running services from Taunton to Ilminster at 5.10pm and 6.40pm, he believes buses should operate every 30 minutes during the busiest after-work and after-school periods.
Mr Everard also argued that investment in technology, such as real-time monitoring and contactless payment systems, could improve the service's efficiency.
He said: “Our community deserves a dependable and efficient public transport system.
“By improving the 30 bus service, we can not only enhance the daily commutes of countless individuals but also contribute positively to the local economy and environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on car travel.”
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An Ilminster resident, who asked not to be named, said: "Once I waited for over an hour at night in the rain, during winter, for the bus which never arrived. It was scary.
"At peak times, the bus from Taunton is so full of students that passengers have to stand packed together like sardines."
A spokesperson for First Bus said: “We consistently monitor and review all our services to ensure the best possible use of our fleet and take steps to improve punctuality wherever possible.
“On average, fewer than one per cent of journeys have not operated on this route, but we also recognise there have been delays more frequently than we would expect, and we are looking at ways to resolve this.
“Finally, we are aware one early morning service is often particularly busy in the Axminster area due to local college travel and are in discussion with Somerset Council on possible funding support to enable an additional journey.”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “Somerset Council provides funding to support evening services on the 30-bus route.
“The council is not aware of any specific issues relating to evening journeys.”
Adam Dance, MP for South Somerset and Yeovil, said: “Students travelling between Chard, Ilminster and college have been facing overcrowding on the No. 30 bus.
“After repeated concerns were raised with me by students and parents, I contacted First Bus to press for action.
“I'm pleased that First Bus has now confirmed it will allocate a double-deck bus to the key college journey wherever possible.
“That means more capacity and, importantly, more students able to travel to and from college safely and comfortably.
“First Bus will also continue monitoring passenger numbers to make sure the additional capacity is making a difference.”
He added: “Thank you to everyone who contacted me and raised this issue. Your feedback helped bring the problem to First Bus's attention and secure this change.
“This is a welcome step forward, but there is still more to do. I'll continue working with bus operators to push for reliable and accessible public transport across Yeovil and South Somerset.”
First Bus has been contacted for comment.
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