Saltford Resident Highlights Major Bus Service Issues, Impacts Travelers

A Saltford resident, Margaret Grindrod, has voiced serious concerns about the reliability of the local bus service, particularly for travelers. Her complaints include buses arriving late, not showing up at all, and even failing to stop for passengers.

Margaret's recent attempt to catch the Air Decker to Keynsham to join a friend for a coach trip ended in disappointment when the bus never arrived. She lost £25 on the coach fare, and her friend had to travel alone. This incident underscores the potential pitfalls for travelers relying on local transport.

In another instance, her journey from Keynsham to Saltford took an astonishing 3.5 hours due to a no-show bus. Margaret depends on the hourly Air Decker service, which travels between Bath and Bristol Airport, making this route critical for those needing reliable connections.

Travelers should be aware that the 39 and X39 services by First Bus, which also serve Saltford, do not offer direct access to Keynsham, as they use the A4 bypass. This can result in significant waiting times, sometimes up to 50 minutes. Margaret suggests that rerouting one of the 39 buses through Keynsham could improve service frequency, which would benefit both local residents and travelers.

Margaret has frequently reported these issues to Bath Bus Company, which often attributes delays to traffic. However, she notes that the 39 bus service appears more punctual. The bus stop layout in Saltford, with seating facing away from the road, has also caused her to miss the bus on rainy days, further complicating travel plans.

A Bath Bus Company spokesperson acknowledged these problems, noting a new timetable was implemented on April 7, 2024, to address increased traffic and passenger numbers. They admitted to severe delays due to traffic, roadworks, and diversions, and are working on timetable adjustments to be implemented by September 2024, pending approval from the West of England Combined Authority.

For travelers, these issues highlight the importance of planning and considering potential delays when using local bus services in the Saltford area. Regular reviews and improvements in bus schedules are necessary to ensure that both residents and visitors can rely on public transport for timely travel.