First Bus intend to scrap the 20A/C bus and reduce services on nearly all other Bath routes from May.

The 20, which has a circular route around the city, has long been the worst of all First’s services, operating small, old mini-buses at infrequent and unpredictable intervals. Despite this, the peak time buses are packed, providing the only service between Combe Down, Ralph Allen School and the University.

University and school students living in Combe Down will be furious at the withdrawal of the service, which is their only realisitic public transport route. Many University students currently live in Combe Down, and many more will have signed house contracts for the next academic year intending to use the 20 bus. With the service due to stop the week before the university exams, these students will be left stranded.

MP Don Foster and Lib Dem councillors across Bath say that the changes are unacceptable. Don has already booked a meeting with the regional director of First Bus and Bathwick Councillor Nicholas Coombes has been co-ordinating with the University and BathNES council. A protest website has been launched at http://ourcampaign.org.uk/onthebuses

Cllr Coombes was interviewed on BBC radio Bristol to explain how the loss of the service would affect University students, but it also serves Moorland Road, Twerton, Weston and the Royal United Hospital. Nearly all other bus services in Bath have had their frequencies reduced or early morning services cut. Across the South West, First have cut or reduced routes to protect their profits during the recession.