Glastonbury could soon have a direct public transport link to Castle Cary railway station for the first time in decades — with a new bus service timed to match train departures and arrivals.

The Glastonbury TrainLink project is the brainchild of local residents who have drawn up a plan to reconnect the town to the mainline, reversing a long-standing gap left by the Beeching cuts. The volunteer group has submitted a £150,000 bid to Somerset Council's Local Authority Bus Grant fund.

If successful, the new shuttle could launch in time for the summer 2026 season, running seven days a week from early morning to late evening.

What is Glastonbury TrainLink?

TrainLink is a proposed direct bus route between Glastonbury and Castle Cary station, aimed at making rail travel viable for people in the town and surrounding villages. It's designed to synchronise with train services — something no current public transport service offers.

Campaigners say this will open up access to work, education and leisure, and ease pressure on Castle Cary's overcrowded car park.

Who's behind it?

The plan was created by residents frustrated with the lack of options. One of them, Andy Galloway, said: "For regular train users, this would be a game changer. Not knowing if I can reliably reach London for meetings causes real anxiety. And it's embarrassing when friends come to visit."

The group is working with the Somerset Bus Partnership and has already secured support from Glastonbury Town Council, Pilton Parish Council and Ansford Parish Council.

How would it work?

• 9 return journeys on weekdays
• 5 return journeys on Saturdays
• 4 return journeys on Sundays

The route includes stops at key sites like Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, the Bath and West Showground, Pilton, and Castle Cary Creamery. The fare is expected to be £5–£7, depending on uptake.

Timetables are built around Castle Cary's train schedule to ensure smooth connections to destinations including London Paddington, Exeter and Bristol.

Why now?

The government's Local Authority Bus Grant — announced in December 2025 — provides Somerset with £4.3m per year for three years. TrainLink's £150k bid would cover the first six months and create a buffer to keep the pilot running for a full year.

The total projected cost is £240,000 annually, with operating costs of around £45 per trip — far lower than the £45–£65 cost of a one-way taxi from Glastonbury to Castle Cary.

What's next?

• A decision on funding is expected soon
• Residents can support the project by filling in a short survey at glastonburytrainlink.org
• Every household in Glastonbury, Pilton and nearby areas will receive an information leaflet in the post
• Public fundraising events are also being planned

The goal is to raise enough to launch the service by May 2026.

Why it matters

Castle Cary's expanded 178-space car park still struggles with demand. TrainLink would offer an affordable, green alternative, cut carbon emissions and improve access for people without cars.

MP Sarah Dyke has raised the issue in Parliament, backing the case for better station links.

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• Wells Town Hall to host free prostate cancer testing day in February
• Shepton Mallet doll signed by Coldplay to raise cash for air ambulance appeal

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Wells | Shepton Mallet | Glastonbury