2013-02-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — A new bus service between Bristol Airport and Bath has been welcomed by the organisation representing businesses in the city.
The Bath Bus Company announced its plans to commence an hourly service from 24 March at the recent annual forum for members of Bath Tourism Plus, where the news was warmly received. But it is not only tourism businesses that will benefit from better connections, with Bath Chamber of Commerce also voicing its support.
Ian Bell, Executive Director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and Initiative in Bath & North East Somerset, said:
“This is a really fantastic development, vastly improving the link to our airport. We want to sell our city to the outside world not only as a lovely place to visit but also as a great place to do business.
“One of the reasons for that is excellent connectivity which is so good because we are close to a superb airport with links to important business centres. We really support the airport’s efforts in continuing to increase its range of routes which bring in people for business reasons and we hope to see more of them in Bath which will hugely benefit the local economy.”
The link to the Airport has also been welcomed by Bath’s MP. Don Foster said:
“Bristol Airport is a vital part of Bath’s economy bringing tourism and business to the city – I’m delighted that this much needed bus service will now be available to residents and visitors alike.
“Low carbon public transport is critical if we are to wean ourselves off fossil fuels and as a Liberal Democrat I believe reliable and regular bus services will be crucial in reducing our reliance on car travel.”
The new service will have its own dedicated fleet of five refurbished double-decker buses and will provide a direct link between Bath and Bristol Airport for the first time. The route includes stops in Saltford, Keynsham, Hengrove and Bishopsworth before joining the A38 and dropping passengers directly in front of the terminal. It will run hourly, with the first arrival from Bath at 04:15 and the last departure from the Airport at 23:30.
Martin Curtis of the Bath Bus Company said:
“There have long been calls for better links between Bath city centre and Bristol Airport. Our new service will provide not only a fast and convenient service to the Airport for holiday and business travelers, but will also greatly improve transport for incoming visitors to Bath.”
Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Airport, said:
“We have always been committed to improving public transport links with Bath, and frequency improvements to the Flyer bus service to Bristol Temple Meads have improved access to rail connections. The addition of this direct bus service provides another option which will particularly appeal to inbound passengers en route to the World Heritage City of Bath, whether visiting on business or for leisure.”
Tickets can be purchased from the driver on board the bus or online in advance at www.bathbuscompany.com.