The Robin expands to provide more flexible travel across Gloucestershire
More communities across Gloucestershire will be able to benefit from Gloucestershire's bookable bus as The Robin expands its coverage from November 2026.
Unlike a traditional bus service that follows a fixed route and timetable, The Robin provides flexible transport in an area to give passengers a convenient way to make local journeys. It's also easy to book via the app, website or our call centre.
The expansion forms part of Gloucestershire County Council’s commitment to supporting better public transport while focusing funding on services that are sustainable, flexible and provide value for money.
From November - The Robin will provide additional coverage in Berkeley Vale, the North and South Cotswolds, South Forest of Dean, Newent and surrounding areas. This will include a range of new villages and towns, such as Frampton on Severn, Monmouth, Cinderford, Mickleton, Birdlip and many more.
As part of these changes, a number of heavily subsidised bus services that have experienced consistently low passenger demand and high costs per passenger will end from 28 November 2026. The following services will be affected:
- 23a/35a between Cinderford and Blakeney/Monmouth
- 632 between Tillers Green and Newent
- 656 between Dumbleton and Bishops Cleeve
- 679 between Newent and Ledbury
- 693 between Highleadon and Newent
- 701 between St Briavels and Coleford
- 777 between Lydney and Milkwall
- 790 between Newnham and Cinderford
- 832 between Cold Aston and Andoversford
For affected communities, The Robin will provide a flexible alternative alongside existing bus services. The service already operates in the Cinderford, Lydney and Newent areas, while coverage for the Mitcheldean/Monmouth area will be available from November 2026. The expansion will help ensure communities remain connected, with public transport options continuing to be available.
Further information: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/the-robin/
Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, said: “The expansion of The Robin is good news for communities across Gloucestershire, giving more people access to flexible public transport that they can book around the journeys they want to make, when they want to make them.
“We understand that changes to existing bus services may be disappointing for some passengers. Where services have consistently seen low passenger numbers and high costs, we need to look at different ways of keeping communities connected.
“The expanded Robin service will provide an alternative in the affected areas while helping us make the best use of the funding available.”
For the full list of areas covered by The Robin, please visit the ‘Where can I travel?’ page via Gloucestershire County Council’s website.