Introduction
In association with the Somerset Bus Partnership
With fuel costs rising and garage bills increasing, Somerset Council has improved bus services. There has never been a better time to take the bus.
The council works with the Somerset Bus Partnership, which represents passengers. Together, they encourage more people across the county to use buses.
It is not just about fuel costs. You also pay tax, servicing and insurance for your vehicle. Now is the time to review how much you could save.
Buses can help you save money and reduce wear and tear on your car. Bus operators also offer a range of deals to help lower your travel costs
Get around for £3
Bus fare cap on any single journey until March 2027
The government confirmed that, from one January 2025, a fare cap remains in place at £3 for any single journey across Somerset and England. This still offers strong value, especially for longer journeys. The cap applies to most routes in Somerset.
The scheme also covers cross-county services. For example, you can travel from Street to Bristol or from Yeovil to Bridport for £3.
In Somerset, 13 operators take part in the scheme:
- ATWEST
- Bakers Dolphin
- Community Transport (South West) Ltd
- FromeBus
- Libra Travel
- Mendip Community Transport
- Somerset Council
- Dartline
- Faresaver Buses
- First South West (Buses of Somerset)
- First West of England
- Hatch Green Coaches
- South West Coaches
Evening bus services
Leave your car at home
Somerset Council runs evening bus services from Monday to Saturday. These services connect Taunton with Minehead, Bridgwater, Wellington and Chard.
In Yeovil and nearby communities, evening services run after 8pm and continue until at least 10.30pm.
The evening bus routes are:
- 1E – Taunton to Priorswood/Musgrove Park/Silk Mills Park and Ride – hourly service with last departure from Taunton Parade to Silk Mills 10.35pm and last departure from Taunton Parade to Priorswood at 11.05pm.
- 21 – Bridgwater to Taunton (Musgrove Park Hospital) – hourly service with last departure from Musgrove Park Hospital to Bridgwater Bus Station 11.03pm and last departure from Bridgwater Bus Station to Musgrove Park Hospital 10.15pm.
- 22 – Wellington to Taunton – hourly service with last departure from Taunton Castle Way at 11.05pm and last departure from Wellington High Street at 11.50pm.
- 28 – Minehead to Taunton – (including diversion via Cotford St Luke and Norton Fitzwarren on last three journeys in each direction). Additional journeys at 8.30pm and 10.30pm from Taunton Castle Way and 8.45pm and 10.15pm from Minehead, Butlins.
- 30 – Taunton to Chard – Additional journeys at 8.10pm and 10.10.pm from Taunton Parade to Chard (via Taunton Gateway Park and Ride) and an additional journey 9.11pm from Chard, Boden Street.
Why not use the Park and Ride?
Taunton has two park and ride sites. One is at Gateway, near junction 25 of the M5. The other is at Silk Mills in the west of the town, close to the A38 Wellington Road.
A single journey into town costs £1. You can use the service for work, shopping or socialising. It helps you avoid driving and finding a parking space.
Buses do more in Yeovil…
In April 2026, through the use of Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding from Central Government we have introduced the following service improvements in Yeovil:
Yeovil evening bus services (see above).
- Services 60/60A/60B Yeovil Town Service revised daytime route and timetable to provide new cross-town links. The new route incorporates Lysander Road, Seaton Road, Preston Grove, Lysander Road, Brympton Way, Lime Tree Avenue, Lysander Road, Yeovil Town Centre, Bus Station and the Highfield Road/Roseberry Avenue. Which provides improved east/west travel opportunities across Yeovil Town Centre. Monday to Saturday. Operated by South West Coaches
- Service 68 Yeovil Town Centre – Yeovil Junction Station – Barwick revised route and timetable providing more direct journeys between Yeovil Town Centre, Barwick and Stoford with and hourly frequency throughout the day with an extended timetable with later journeys until around 9pm to connect with more trains at Yeovil Junction Station. Operated by Somerset Council
Other improved services:
- Service 51/61 Lysander Road – Town Centre – Cavalier Way Sundays and Public Holidays route as above. Operated by First Bus
- Service 54 Yeovil to Taunton Monday to Saturday two hourly frequency linking Yeovil to Ilchester, Somerton, Langport and Taunton throughout the day Mondays to Saturdays. Operated by First Bus
- Service 58 Yeovil to Wincanton Monday to Saturday two hourly frequency linking Yeovil to Sherborne, Templecombe and Wincanton. Operated by First Bus
Benefits of using the bus
Whether you commute or take a day trip, you could save money with the options available. Take a look and see what works for you.
Use the fuel cost calculator on the Fuel Economy website to check the cost of your journey.
Protect the environment
Taking the bus removes your car from the road. If 50 people travel by bus, that means 50 fewer cars heading into town.
Bus lanes can also reduce delays. You may spend less time in traffic during busy periods. You can save money and reduce carbon emissions.
Time for you
On the bus, you can read, check your phone, catch up on emails or relax and enjoy the Somerset scenery.
Can I save?
Find out more about Buses of Somerset ticket bundles, as well as weekly and monthly passes, on the Buses of Somerset – Ticket prices.
Use your bus pass
Are you using your bus pass? Have you applied for your bus pass?
You can use your bus pass for unlimited free travel across the county after 9.30am. If you are not using it, you may be missing out.
You could explore Wells, Minehead, Taunton, Glastonbury and Bath, or visit Exmoor.
Now is the time to make the most of your bus pass and enjoy more of Somerset.
Find out if you are eligible and how to apply on the Concessionary bus passes page.
Somerset’s Slinky Bus
Flexible transport on Slinky
Slinky Bus is a door-to-door, demand responsive transport service funded by Somerset Council. It supports people who cannot use or do not have access to regular public transport.
All vehicles are accessible. You can use the service for many journeys, including health appointments, exercise classes, shopping and social events. You can also use Slinky to connect with other public transport services.
Plan your journey and find bus operators, Slinky services and community transport options on the Somerset Think Travel portal.
