On-demand rural buses

The new Robin bus service finally arrived in the Newent area in June, complementing established services in the middle and southern parts of the Forest of Dean district. This service has been running for some time in other areas of Gloucestershire. The Newent area had to wait a bit longer, but we have had the advantage of the Daffodil Line service, no 232, which connects some our rural villages with the three towns of Ross, Ledbury and Newent. The boundary of the area covered by the Newent Robin service aligns with the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border (but sadly does not cross it) and the A417. It also runs south of the A40 as far as Mitcheldean.

The Robin service is designed to respond to the travel needs of people who live in the more rural areas of the county who would otherwise find it difficult to use public transport. But even within Newent itself it will serve areas poorly served by public transport such as Culver Street and Foley, Onslow and Meek Roads. It is designed to connect up to timetabled bus services and to get passengers from one recognised stop to another. It is bookable by phone, app or online but is not a taxi service to and from your door.

The list of stops in the Newent zone is very extensive. It includes all the usual bus stops including those used by Newent Community Transport and school transport services and has added others such as local landmarks. However, the list on the website is a little confusing, with about 12 'School' locations where there are clearly no schools. These are actually just recognised school transport stops, and I have asked the officer in charge of the County's Transport Unit to make this clearer. The one-sided leaflet which advertises the service is also not of the standard expected: the map is very hard to read and there is a lot of information missing. I have been promised a better version.

Running from 7am until 7pm Monday to Saturday, Robin buses can accommodate one wheelchair. Fares are set in line with standard bus travel, and concessionary passes can be used.
Despite the minor teething problems, the Robin promises to be of great benefit to local residents who need better transport to get to doctor's appointments, go shopping, see friends or just get out for a visit to somewhere different. Some passengers are using it regularly to get to school, college and work.

You can book travel from one hour to two weeks ahead. There is no guarantee that the perfect slot will be available but you may get exactly what you need. It is funded until next year for sure and after that it will depend on further government funding. A service like this is never going to be commercially viable, but even a subsidised route needs to used by enough passengers for it to continue. Use it or lose it.