The Forgotten Valley Welcomes the first Fit-for-Purpose buses to Bath at last

The Forgotten Valley Welcomes the first Fit-for-Purpose buses to Bath at last

Since 2016 when the 179 bus service started to be reduced people of the Cam Valley and surrounding villages have been campaigning for Fit-For-Purpose buses, and starting 26 July 2026 they’re going to get them.

10 years campaigning finally pays off

Lead Campaigner, Clive Turner said
“The rot set in in 2016 when the most direct service to Bath, the 179, started to be reduced, bit by bit until in 2023 it was withdrawn completely.” He added
“The affect on thousands of people’s lives was immense with some unable to keep their jobs, students unable to get to school/ college, older people becoming isolated and some families being forced to move out of the area. The impact was devastating, but unfortunately such costs to people’s lives don’t appear on the balance sheet and as such were never taken into consideration”

However, with a change of WECA Mayor, and the continuing campaigning by local residents under the original banner of “ Save The 179” then latterly the “ Forgotten Valley ( Cam) Bus Campaign ( FVBC) alongside the Dunkerton and Tunley Parish Council (who coordinated all the support from the other 7 Parish Councils affected by the previous cuts) the tide has eventually turned. A new service, the 100 and a much improved 768 will be starting 27th July 2026 to serve the people who live in the Cam valley and surrounding villages.

The positive impact is already palpable!

This will undoubtedly be one of the most beneficial projects to be implemented for the 10,000 or so people who live in and around the Cam Valley …. The new bus network. The positive impact is already palpable!

This is indeed a fine example of Authorities, Politicians, Campaign Groups and individuals working together and achieving sensible solutions to what had previously been seen as intractable problems.

Welcome Party for first service 100 Bus

In conclusion Clive said:
“Despite all the trials, tribulations and false dawns we’ve had over the years, it’s been worth it and as such called for us to mark this momentous occasion.
I hope that people now take full advantage of the benefits these bus services will provide”
thanks to all the efforts we, BANES and WECA have put in to make it all possible”