Hospital bus provides great community links

South Bristol launches a brand new hospital bus service this week. The 515 further improves links between the South Bristol Community Hospital, the Skills Academy, and the local communities they serve.

The service runs hourly and serves Stockwood, Hengrove and Whitchurch. The adult single fare is between £1 and £1.50, with no charge for holders of valid concessionary fare passes.

The £99,000 cost of the one year contract to run the hourly service was paid for through developer contributions for local benefits around Hengrove Park. The buses will be run by Wessex, and the income from fares will come back into the council’s funds so that the service can continue to run in a cost-effective way beyond the existing contract.

Bristol City Councillor Tim Kent, Executive Member for Transport, said: “The bus provides a vital link to the hospital and the Skills Academy. It also stops at shops, supermarkets and other facilities across South Bristol, so it’s useful for residents’ daily needs as well.”