FIRST Bus have dismissed rumours that the D1 and D1x bus services are to be withdrawn and replaced, but the next review of these services will come in the New Year.
Both services currently cover routes from Bath to Salisbury via Westbury and Warminster, making it a popular service in the town. Rumours circulated online that both services were to be cut.
A First West of England spokesperson said, “No decisions have been made about any imminent changes to services operated by First West of England, which are under constant review based on passenger demand and viability.
“The next review of all West of England services and any decisions to amend them or not, will be announced in the New Year. As always, these decisions are made in close consultation with our local authority partners.”
Graham Ellis, local campaigner for better bus and train services and part of the ‘bus back better’ group, Option 24/7 says, “My understanding is that First West of England have put in dozens of reductions and cancellations, including the D1 through Westbury. The way these things work is that the local transport authority looks at proposed changes, sees what gaps it leaves in provision, and works out how best to mitigate them as necessary and as appropriate.
“In my view, it is too early to have any degree of certainty as to what will be running after next month. On past form, threatened dramatic cuts to key routes are often mitigated – no promise, but I would be very disappointed if the worst-case scenario I have read actually happens.”
