THE operator of bus services in Somerset is working to plug a drivers shortage as more passengers hop on the bus in the county.

The increase has been put down to lower fares and evening buses.

Somerset Council’s lead member for transport, Cllr Mike Rigby, welcomes the increase and has praised First Bus for improving its performance after he recently expressed concerns about cancellations and quality of service.

Since the introduction of a £1 fare for a single journey in Taunton and evening services on some routes, both funded by the council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, and a ‘Bus It’ campaign, passenger numbers have increased by nearly 25 per cent on First Bus/Buses of Somerset services in the area.

And following the introduction of the £2 fare for a single journey in Somerset, funded by the Government’s Help for Homes scheme, passenger numbers have risen by around 14 per cent countywide. The scheme is running nationwide until June 30.

Cllr Rigby said: “This is all extremely positive and welcome news as we continue to work hard with the Somerset Bus Partnership and operators to drive passenger numbers up.

“I’m also really pleased to see clear improvements have been made by First Bus South in services across Somerset after I'd flagged a number of concerns from the public – chiefly, too many cancellations and disruptions due to a shortage of drivers.

“The feedback I’ve been getting is that the operator has moved quickly and decisively to ensure people in Somerset have the bus service they need and deserve."

The improvements come after six per cant of the total bus mileage in Somerset was cancelled in February - by the last week it March it was down to 0.8 per cent.

First Bus managing director Simon Goff said: “We acknowledge it's been a challenging time across Somerset and in response we've been putting measures in place to drive an improved service.

“Working closely with the council, we can see that the actions we've taken so far are making a big difference and I'm pleased we've been able to restore the consistent level of service our customers have come to expect from us.

“It can be challenging to make rural commercial bus services financially sustainable but with great value fares available on the Somerset bus network, there’s never been a better time to give the bus a try."

He added that First Bus is "working hard" to fill vacancies - anyone wishing to apply should call 07814 13861 for details.