Somerset Council has awarded a new contract to run Taunton’s Park and Ride service to Stagecoach South West following a successful tendering bid.

The South West-based operator will run buses Monday to Saturday from the Silk Mills and Gateway sites from 12 February 2024, taking over from First Bus South.

The cost of a ticket will remain just £1 for any single journey, and whilst frequency will change slightly to every 20 minutes, larger double-decker buses in striking new livery will service the routes from 6am to 8pm Monday to Friday, with a slightly later start on Saturdays.

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital Councillor Richard Wilkins said:

It’s great news to secure this new contract with Stagecoach South West.

Taunton’s park and ride is a vital part of the town’s transport infrastructure and has shown a significant increase in patronage in the last two years.

Thousands of commuters make use of the service every week, helping to cut the number of cars going into town during peak hours, and at just £1 for a single journey, it remains fantastic value.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West said:

We are proud to be delivering this Park and Ride partnership with Somerset Council and other key organisations in Taunton.

We look forward to the service commencing on 12 February 2024 and meeting our new customers in Taunton, providing them with reliable, affordable and sustainable travel across the Taunton Park and Ride service.