Glastonbury bus-users held a "walking bus" protest on Tuesday (September 6) to draw attention to the need for reliable and affordable bus services in Somerset.

A group of demonstrators progressed up the High Street carrying cardboard wheels. They waved outsized red hands exhorting people to "CATCH THE BUS." Bystanders were encouraged to join in the procession.

The demonstration set out from an information stall in St. Dunstan's car park. Paper timetables were available at the stall for West Somerset bus services. A Somerset Bus Partnership team member gave her enthusiastic presence to the event. Many people stopped at the stall and completed surveys on bus use.

"I love catching the bus,' said one woman. "I don't have to worry about driving or parking the car when I visit my father at Yeovil Hospital." There was, however, agreement that bus services must be punctual and reliable to encourage use.

The stall and the demonstration were organised by Glastonbury on the Bus. All who have an interest in the maintenance and development of bus services are welcome to attend its meetings. The next meeting is at 6.30pm on October 10 at Glastonbury Town Hall. Email [email protected] for more details.

 Glastonbury on the Bus has initially identified three main objectives

·     Tor Bus to run all year

·     Direct bus from Glastonbury to Castle Cary and its station

·     Number 29 to Taunton to stop at Taunton Railway station and the Musgrove Park hospital

The group is supported by Glastonbury councillors including Lindsay McDougall, Michael White, Jon Cousins and Serena Roney-Dougal.

September is Catch the Bus month in Somerset, a national campaign spearheaded by Bus Users UK. The campaign is supported by Somerset County Council with a BUS IT ad campaign.