The new Y8 bus route – which replaces the previously axed 84/85 route – has been welcomed as giving ‘new life’ to villages across South Gloucestershire, although funding is only in place until April.
Starting today, September 1, the Y8 service – also known as the Yate Link – will extend its circular route into Wotton.
The Y8 starts and finishes in Yate, with every trip passing through Wotton – there will be 15 trips between Yate and Wotton on weekdays and 12 trips on Saturdays.
This is the latest set of bus changes in the area while the Y2C trial service will connect Yate and Cribbs Causeway via Thornbury and different villages in the area.
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has welcomed the extension of the Y8 as being a ‘big win’ that will see ‘new life’ given to villages across South Gloucestershire while Wotton councillor Linda Cohen has praised campaigners for their tireless efforts in getting the vital service re-instated.
The new route also offers a service that will enable residents to reach Yate railway station in time for the 08:37 rush hour train service in the morning and connect several other villages via a regular circular service.
Ms Young said: “The confirmation of the new extended Y8 bus route is a big win for local residents.
“Not only does it restore a regular service to Wotton-under-Edge, but it also better connects our villages and offers key peak-time services into Yate.
“This, combined with other upcoming bus changes that we hope to see in coming weeks, will bring new life to our rural bus services and ensure that our public transport links truly offer people a viable way to get around.
“I am proud that we have seen a real joint up effort to push for these important changes and ensure they deliver for our communities.
“This really is a testament to the work of both MPs and local councillors working together hand-in-hand to deliver real change.
“I will continue to campaign to improve local services, to restore lost routes and provide a guaranteed level of service right across our area – including getting a direct bus between Thornbury and Yate – so residents get the fair deal they deserve.”
Ms Cohen said: “Wotton has got back its bus to Yate.
“Lots of us have been involved, residents, councillors. but there is only one woman that we need to thank.
“Barbara Lawrence spearheaded the campaign two years ago when there was the suggestion we might lose the bus service to Yate, she managed to save the 84/85 and then they were lost again.
“Most despaired, some were just resigned but Barbara was not to be defeated and was determined to champion the rights of the elderly, students and school pupils.
Ms Lawrence added: “Our campaign group is relieved and grateful that decision makers across the region have worked collaboratively to restore connectivity of our towns and villages.
“Residents in Hillesley, Wotton-Under-Edge and Kingswood can access affordable shopping, medical appointments and onward travel links.
“We urge people to use the regular timetabled bus route and support our argument for a permanent solution from April 2026.”