Bookable bus service expands to Newent as last major gap filled

Gloucestershire is adding a new bus service called The Robin, which is like a bookable bus. Newent, plus nearby areas, will get it in April.

The Robin already serves five other areas, including south Forest of Dean, north Cotswolds, south Cotswolds, and Berkeley Vale. Parts of Tewkesbury district also have it, and Newent was the last big gap in rural service.

Newent’s new Robin service boosts rural connections, providing residents with better travel options. It runs from 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday and stops anywhere in the service area. It links people to other transport too.

People are using The Robin more now, with almost 6,500 trips happening in November and December 2024. November saw 3,371 trips, and December had 3,092. The government funded the existing services, while the council will fund Newent’s service.

The Newent Robin service should launch in April 2025, and they need to find a company for the contract now.
The Robin helps the broader transport network, which the council funds. This network has about 115 service contracts, totaling £7 million yearly. Spending was much lower in 2019/20, at only £3.7 million.

The Arle Court Transport Hub improved travel too, enhancing services and connections. The council also transports eligible students to school, with over 6,000 students using this service daily.

Council Leader Stephen Davies is excited about the expansion, believing it meets Newent’s needs very well and will significantly boost rural connections. He says The Robin will cover most of rural Gloucestershire now.

Davies wants to improve the entire transport network and will work with bus companies on reliable, modern services hoping to encourage more people to ride. Booking The Robin is easy using the app, website, or by calling them.