A CAMPAIGN to improve a bus service that runs from Yate to Bristol has picked up speed.

The 82 bus service was criticised earlier in the year by local residents, who told the Gazette that it was often “late” or “didn’t turn up at all”. 

But now, bus users will be able to make suggestions to improve the route after a public consultation was launched by South Gloucestershire Council.

The online survey, which finishes on Sunday, September 3, asks people across South Gloucestershire for their views on council supported bus services.

It is expected that the results of the survey will help form the region's bus strategy, which is due to the implemented by the new West of England Mayor Tim Bowles.

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall and Chipping Sodbury councillor Rob Creer are now co-ordinating a community response to the consultation that focuses specifically on improving the 82 bus service.  

They have started a petition, which can be found online here, that highlights several key areas for improvement.

These include: the desire to see the 82 Service begin its journey from Chipping Sodbury High Street; earlier start and later finish times; improved frequency of buses during peak hours and an improved reliability of the current service.

Mr Hall told the Gazette: “I am delighted that the review both myself and Rob have secured with residents help is now live.

“Our campaign to see an improved 82 service returned to Chipping Sodbury has been hard fought so far, so we now need residents help once again so we can use this opportunity to make sure our voices are heard on this important service.”

Cllr Creer added: “I would like to encourage as many Chipping Sodbury and Yate residents as possible to back our petition on Luke’s website to see the 82 service improved, this really is our chance to put our case forward to get the service our town deserves.”

The 82 Bus Service was altered last summer after South Gloucestershire Council reorganised its supported routes.

The changes resulted in the ‘splitting’ of the original 82 Bus to Southmead Hospital, with a new 84/85 service serving the northern villages of South Gloucestershire (Wotton-Under-Edge, via Wickwar to Chipping Sodbury) and with the 82 Service beginning in Yate rather than Chipping Sodbury High Street.