Bookable bus service The Robin to expand to Newent area
The service currently operates in five areas, the south Forest of Dean, north and south Cotswolds, Berkeley Vale and parts of the Tewkesbury district. 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 by offering travel to a new service area.
Reaction from the public to The Robin has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the huge increase in transport options. Residents who previously had a very limited bus service now have a service that operates 7am-7pm Monday to Saturday and will stop anywhere within the area of operation or link passengers with another form of transport.
Usage of the services has grown over time, with nearly 6,500 trips made in the five Robin areas in November and December 2024 – there were 3,371 trips made in November and 3,092 in December. The existing services have been funded by the Department for Transport and the latest service will be funded by the county council.
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.
Passengers can book The Robin easily and simply using the app, website or by calling 0345 263 8139. More information here: The Robin | Gloucestershire County Council
The provision of The Robin service complements the expanded transport network in Gloucestershire which is funded by the county council.
The subsidised public transport network in the county is made up of approximately 115 contracts for services with an annual value of £7million, which is a significant increase since 2019/20 when the spend was £3.7million.
Arle Court Transport Hub has also transformed the travel experience for residents and visitors, offering enhanced services and travel connections. The county council is also responsible for transporting pupils who are eligible for free school transport, and the network caters for over 6,000 pupils every day.
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.
“We are 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.”