Bus passengers in Lawrence Weston, Bristol, were left stranded at stops earlier this year when the Number 10 bus service was diverted without any prior notice. The bus, which runs from Severn Beach through Avonmouth, Lawrence Weston, Westbury-on-Trym, and Southmead Hospital, was redirected for several months due to repairs on the Kingsweston footbridge and the closure of the road underneath.
Passengers were left confused and struggling to get to work or medical appointments, as they were not informed about the route change. Former Labour councillor and Green candidate, Jo Sergeant, raised concerns during a West of England Combined Authority committee meeting about the lack of communication regarding the service diversion. She questioned the decision to withdraw the bus service from Lawrence Weston residents, especially older individuals living in sheltered housing who rely on the bus for healthcare appointments.
While the council sent out letters about the road repairs and closure of Kings Weston Road, no information about the Number 10 bus route was provided. This lack of communication left passengers unaware and frustrated when the bus did not arrive at stops. Despite attempts to clarify responsibility between Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority, passengers were left feeling neglected and uninformed.
In response to the concerns raised, Dan Norris, the Labour metro mayor of the West of England, acknowledged the shortcomings in communication and expressed a commitment to address the issue. Both authorities recognized the need for better coordination and information dissemination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident highlights the importance of clear and timely communication when implementing changes to public transportation services. Passengers rely on accurate information to plan their journeys and disruptions can have a significant impact on their daily lives. Moving forward, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize communication with the public to ensure transparency and accessibility in public transportation services.