FISHPONDS now has more “express” buses to the city centre – with direct return services also introduced.
Operator First says has introduced “express” 48x and 49x services, which travel via the M32 and Muller Road instead of along Old Market and Stapleton Road, outbound from the Centre from September 1 onwards.
First has confirmed that the 47 service from Oldbury Court will now travel via the M32 and be renamed the 47x, news first reported in the Voice last month by Frome Vale councillors Louis Martin and Al Al-Maghrabi.
The company has also confirmed the timetable for the new 50 service linking Frenchay and Stapleton to the city centre, which will run every half hour from Monday to Saturday between the Centre and Beckspool Road.
News of the half-hourly 50 service was reported in last month’s Voice after it was revealed at a council meeting by the Campaign for Better Transport.
First has confirmed that the 50 will run from Beckspool Road along Bristol Road, Frenchay Park Road, Park Road and Bell Hill to the M32 Muller Road roundabout, with inbound services then taking Stapleton Road towards Old Market. Outbound buses will use Fishponds road between Robertson Road and Muller Road.
‘Customer feedback’ led to more direct services to city centre
First said the introduction of outbound 48x and 49x services via the M32 and Muller Road was made “following customer feedback”.
The company said: “Alongside the change to service 47 to become the 47x, there will now be up to six express buses an hour between Fishponds and the City Centre via the M32 in either direction.”
Both the 47x and 50 will have no Sunday service.
And First has changed the route of the 19, which will no longer serve Frenchay between Downend and Bristol Parkway station. Instead the bus will go straight from Downend to UWE’s Frenchay campus along the Avon Ring Road.
First says the move is due to “the increased journey times by having to double back on the ring road via the M32 Junction in this direction”.
On weekdays there will still be around two 48 and two 49 services per hour, linking Fishponds to Easton and Old Market.
For more details of changes to services from this month visit the First website.