FIRST Bus will look to make changes to its services between West Somerset and Taunton after several conversations with an MP.

Following continued pressure both in the constituency and in Parliament, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, has secured a number of commitments from First Bus, all aimed at improving service standards on the Number 28 and 25 services.

Mrs Gilmour's office has received hundreds of complaints from constituents in West Somerset, raising their concerns about the quality of both the Number 28 and 25 bus services.

Constituents have been frequently let down by late and overcrowded buses, particularly on Mondays and Fridays on the Number 28 service - the changeover days at the Butlin's resort in Minehead.

On Friday, September 26, Rachel Gilmour MP met with senior First Bus representatives, including their Operations Director, at their Taunton Depot to discuss service issues.

During the meeting, Mrs Gilmour secured several commitments from First Bus, which are as follows:

· Nine additional electric buses, with six going specifically on the Number 28 route - all of which have increased seating and luggage capacity.

· New training for each bus driver on how to use storage units correctly, maximising the space available on each journey.

· First Bus have partnered with Somerset Council to mirror the existing Number 28 6:50am service for Richard Huish College students - making sure college students get to college on time (arriving at 8:36am).

· First Bus have committed to organising 'Meet the Manager' sessions in Minehead, where locals have an opportunity to speak with First Bus directly - improving service transparency.

· First Bus have agreed to meet with representatives from Butlin's to work on how to ease the overcrowding issues on changeover days (Mondays and Fridays).

· Agreed quarterly contact between the Office of Rachel Gilmour MP and First Bus to report service failings and any marked improvements.

Constituents are encouraged to report any service issues, including delays and overcrowding, here: https://forms.office.com/e/mSaetVSRz6?origin=lprLink (also on Rachel Gilmour MP's website).

Following the meeting, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, said: "For far too long, the Number 28 and Number 25 bus services have been sub-par, as services are often late and overcrowded.

"After hearing from constituents time and time again, I am pleased that First Bus have listened to my calls and introduced new measures to improve services for local people.

"In an area like West Somerset, so many locals rely on the bus service to get to Taunton for work or medical appointments.

"With no direct train link, combined with an often-busy A39, a regular and reliable bus service is vital for our communities."

"I will continue to hold First Bus to account, making sure they up their game and improve service standards for my constituents in West Somerset."