West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has expressed his delight at the decision to retain the 178 bus service, which runs between Radstock, Keynsham and Bristol Bus Station.

Plans had been made to remove the 178 service and replace it with number 172 between Radstock and Keynsham; people would then have had to change to the 349 to get into Bristol.

The West of England Combined Authority, which Mr. Norris leads, has agreed to restore the current timetable of the 178 service between January 30th and April 24th. The number 18 service between Bath and Kingswood via Keynsham was withdrawn following a review of financial support last year.

Mr. Norris has previously called on the government to provide greater support for bus services as Covid pressures have lead to some services being under threat.

Dan Norris said: "I know just how important the 178 service is - it provides a vital direct link between some of the rural and semi-rural communities in North-East Somerset and the centre of Bristol. Places like Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Paulton deserve a regular direct bus service.

"Maintaining these bus routes is a real priority for the West of England Combined Authority, which I lead. So while I'm delighted to retain the number 178 I'm also aware there isn't a bottomless pot of money. I am well aware of the pressures that Covid is placing on our bus services, that's why I've been calling on the government to step up to the plate and provide the funding shot in the arm to help retain bus services for other communities."