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Gloucestershire Business News

The Robin bus fledges further into the Forest

Buoyed by the success of the scheme so far, Shire Hall is set to roll out more click-and-ride opportunities for its innovative Robin bus service.

Initially launched in October 2022, The Robin, an on-demand bookable bus service which passengers can book via their mobile phones, is now heading to Newent and the surrounding area.

The move closes another gap on the county map for the service provision, with the existing network now covering five areas: the south Forest of Dean, north and south Cotswolds, Berkeley Vale and parts of the Tewkesbury district.

Cllr Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "I'm thrilled we're able make this investment to see The Robin expand into another new area. It will help meet the needs of residents in Newent and the surrounding area, boosting rural connectivity and expanding the Robin service to now cover the vast majority of rural Gloucestershire."

He added that the county council was "committed to making improvements to the whole public transport network across the county and will continue to work closely with bus operators to ensure customers are encouraged to use modern, reliable and affordable services".

A project spokesperson added: "These areas cover the majority of rural Gloucestershire, however the last major rural area of the county without a Robin service is Newent and the surrounding area. The latest expansion of the service to Newent will fill this last major gap in rural coverage and significantly boost rural connectivity."

Reaction to The Robin has been increasingly positive, they said, with those who previously had a very limited bus service now having the bookable option for a bus which runs 7am-7pm Monday to Saturday - and which will stop anywhere within the area of operation while also linking passengers with other transport connections.

Rupert Hacker, a student at Katharine Lady Berkeley's School in Wotton-under-Edge, who is a youth  ambassador for Forest Green Rovers, said the route had been liberating: "I use the bus when we have home games in Nailsworth and as many of my friends who can come are able to just meet up and use it as well, some connecting from Berkeley. You can tailor it to the time and place you want and it's very cheap and easy when compared to everyone's parents doing the driving."

Usage data reveals nearly 6,500 trips made in the five Robin areas in November and December 2024, 3,371 being in November and 3,092 in December. Funding comes from the Department for Transport, though the new Newent service will be funded by the county council.

Shire Hall added: "It is anticipated the new Robin service in Newent will be launched in April 2025 and a procurement process will now take place to secure a contract."

The subsidised public transport network in the county is currently made up of some 115 contracts for services with an annual value of £7m - a significant increase since 2019/20, when the spend was £3.7m.

● Booking can be made via The Robin app or website , or by calling 0345 263 8139.

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