It is easy to switch off when the Climate & Nature Emergency is mentioned; why would you want to give yourself fresh reasons to despair about the future? Overwhelmed by the bad news, people may seek escape.

Our group is often asked to focus on positive solutions, to give people hope and practical pathways to actually turn the situation around. Sometimes that is hard to do with new evidence daily that the planet and its species are suffering.

However, right now there is a fantastically positive piece of news that could transform our individual and local carbon consumption as well as opening up new places for work, play and travel.

From September 2024 two fixed timetable WESTlocal buses will be operating in the Chew valley; one designed as a fast service to Bristol (WESTlocal X91 Chew Valley Sprint), the other (WESTlocal 99 Chew Valley Cat) operating a figure of 8 route, taking people between a wide range of stops around the Chew Valley and out to connecting services on the A37.

Everything designed into the routes was fed by research about demand carried out by Chew Valley Sustainable Transport group across a five year period.

In terms of carbon footprint this is a potential game-changer. You may find you can completely swap out your car for a bus, for getting to work, managing the school run, doing your shopping and enjoying your social life.

It may also help local businesses with customer and staff mobility and enhance local tourism in a sustainable way.

So what’s the hitch? As with all transport schemes designed as pilots, WESTlocal funding is time limited. This next 18 months, where funding is covering the cost, is a real opportunity to assess demand and make a case for further funding to avoid a 2026 cliff edge.

So the next time you are thinking ‘but what can I do to make a dent in my carbon footprint?” here is just one thing that could have a massive impact. Get on board the WESTlocal buses - not just once or twice for the novelty, but routinely, scrutinising the timetable to see what you could make work for you. The bonus is we think you will enjoy the journey too (to rest, work or connect with other travellers).

Timetables will be delivered through your door soon and an information webinar held on 19th August is now available. Any questions? contact [email protected]