THE town of Ilminster has some of the worst public transport links into the south west according to new data from The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT).

More than half of the places identified as at risk of becoming transport deserts fall in Dorset and Somerset the report said.

It is notable that these counties have weak rail provision and have made steep cuts to support for bus services in recent years.

Ilminster scored poorly using the methodology.

It is a growing town of approaching 6,000, it is located ten miles from Taunton and 15 miles from Yeovil, yet it is still listed as a 'transport desert'.

Two buses leave Ilminster for Taunton before 9am. There is then a less than hourly service through the day with the final weekday service from Taunton to Ilminster departing at 6.10pm.

There are no direct bus services from Ilminster to Yeovil.

The report states that "further work is needed to understand fully the consequences of poor local public transport provision and in developing interventions to address problems".

It also listed four aims for ways to improve the situation in Ilminster and further afield.

  • Increased usage of bus services across the country,
  • Better integration of buses with other transport,
  • A clear route to zero emission buses, and
  • Growth in use of technology to improve services.

This plan is based on the data that 'buses remain the most popular form of public transport, accounting for more journeys than all other modes combined'.

The report added that: "Top tier authorities should have more power to manage and develop local transport networks.

"The forthcoming Rail White Paper and the announcement that all top tier local authorities will be able to take on bus franchising powers are important steps in making this achievable.

"However, outside large cities local authorities lack the capacity, capability and resources needed to take on such powers. Where there is a settled case for increasing local control, transition funding should be provided by central government in the form of a local transport devolution package."

Another barrier that is causing issues for Ilminster bus and transport services is the cost.

The report suggests that "Giving some groups highly discounted or free bus travel can bring wide benefits both to the individual and to wider society. Targeted local low fares trials with a commitment to roll out the initiative more broadly if it is successful at supporting modal shift and improving access to important services."