New bus service The Robin coming to Dursley area welcomed

This week, Gloucestershire County Council revealed its minibus scheme known as the Robin will be launching in Berkeley, Dursley and Wotton on Monday, June 17.

The area will receive two vehicles with officials hoping the service will provide a "vital link" for passengers.

Members of the public will be able to book over the phone, online or through an app but will have the option to pay the driver in cash or through card. 

It comes as the area in recent years has been hit by bus cuts with passengers continuing calling for better services.

Full details of the routes and stops are not yet available.

However, according to a map seen by this paper, the service also includes parts of Nailsworth and Stonehouse.

Other places include Slimbridge, Eastington, Coaley, Stone, Nympsfield, Uley, Horsley, Selsey, North Nibley, Hillesley, Heathfield and Brookend.

Local councillors and Siobhan Baillie MP recently toured one of the Robin buses, which was parked at Cam and Dursley railway station. 

(left to right) Cllr Philip Robinson, Siobhan Baillie MP, County Councillor Linda Cohen, County Councillor Wendy Thomas and SDC Cllr Lindsey Green and Paul Riddick with the minibus parked at Cam and Dursley railway station (Image: Gloucestershire County Council)

The service will help link rural communities 

Ms Baillie MP said: “I was really pleased to meet the driver and team launching this innovative and much-needed transport service that will help link rural communities in and around the Berkeley Vale in a flexible way.

“Rather than just complain about bus issues like some, I have been trying to find solutions while recognising the complexities for councils and bus operators in rural areas. 

“The work that GCC and so many others have done to get the Robin here in a sustainable way for passengers is fantastic.  

“This bookable service eliminates many of these hurdles and will respond to our needs. 

“I think this is the way forward for public transport in the 21st century so I am thrilled the county council has funded it and want to see it used!”

"Cautiously optimistic" for residents 

County Councillor Wendy Thomas (L, Dursley) said: “Any news about additional bus services is to be enthusiastically welcomed, after years of austerity that have decimated rural bus provision. 

“I would have preferred restoration of scheduled services but I'm cautiously optimistic that The Robin will provide a way for residents in villages without bus services to get to places of work, doctor's appointments, etc. 

“I am really keen to see if the Berkeley Vale Robin will connect residents with Cam station, providing a vital link for so many. 

“I'm also curious to see how The Robin will cover such a wide geographic area, with likely high demand.”

Siobhan Baillie MP (left) and Cllr Wendy Thomas (right) have both welcomed the new Robin minibus service (Image: Handout)

“Public transport is absolutely essential"

County Councillor Cllr Linda Cohen (Lib Dem, Wotton) said: “I’m pleased to see the launch of the Robin service for residents.

“Public transport is absolutely essential for those who live in rural communities, allowing access to amenities, health services, employment and education as well as maintaining links with family and friends. 

“This new service will provide an important link to Cam and Dursley station. 

“But we must not forget and will continue our fight to retain our precious 84/85 timetabled services which give direct access to Yate and South Glos and are a lifeline for many of our residents who face huge challenges but are determined to remain self-sufficient.”

"A step in the right direction..."

Tony Davey, chair of the Stroud & District chamber of trade said: “The preliminary news for the on-demand bus service is welcomed. 

“The chamber is currently working on two bolster projects that could be positively impacted - one in Wotton-under-Edge and one in Berkeley. 

“Both identified the need for an improved bus service as having an important role in bolstering their local economies - Berkeley especially, as it is so limited in current service. 

“A mix of on-demand and scheduled services is needed for a robust solution, so this is a step in the right direction that will (I hope) be part of a fuller solution in the not too distant future. 

Mr Davey added: “The on-demand element is especially useful in the more rural villages where a scheduled service may not be financially viable, but remains much needed. 

“The pattern of use will, hopefully, also help draw the plans for scheduled services and likely demand.”

A map showing potential stops for the new minibus service The Robin (Image: Gloucestershire County Council)

As part of the same announcement The Robin will also be launched in Tewkesbury on June 3 and in the South Cotswolds on June 10.

The scheme has been running already in the North Cotswolds and Forest of Dean since Autumn 2022.

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member with responsibility for buses, said: “It’s fantastic to see The Robin expanding into new areas.

"I’ve met many people who have benefited from our bookable bus service.

"It really can change people’s lives in rural areas by giving them access to employment, education, healthcare or entertainment.”

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman said: “Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system.

"I'm delighted to have worked alongside the local council and local MPs to give Gloucestershire County Council more than £4 million to boost its bus services.

“Extending The Robin minibus to three more areas is great for local residents in Gloucestershire, who will now enjoy better connections while getting around more easily and with greater peace of mind.” 

Another map showing potential stops for The Robin (Image: Gloucestershire County Council)