Bus Champion Volunteer

Somerset Bus Partnership is looking for Local Bus Champions across Somerset to represent their town or parish and promote their local bus services.

We already have over 155 Bus Champions—residents who care about their local buses and want to ensure these services are protected, improved, and well-used. Champions understand the social, environmental and economic value of bus services in their communities.

🌍 What is a Local Bus Champion?

A Bus Champion is a resident who volunteers to support and promote local bus services within a defined area—usually aligned with their town or parish council. They can be appointed by a council or volunteer directly through Somerset Bus Partnership. Champions typically serve for a renewable 12-month term and may work alongside other Champions or local bus user groups.

🔑 Role Overview

Champions support their local community by:

1. INFORMATION

Making sure accurate, up-to-date information about local bus services is available.

Core activities:

• Check timetable displays at local bus stops and report outdated or missing information
• Ensure parish noticeboards and websites carry current travel information and links to Somerset’s Think Travel portal
• Share service updates through local magazines and social media

Optional:

• Help produce and distribute local printed timetables with the parish council
• Encourage the parish to install new timetable cases at stops lacking them

2. FEEDBACK

Act as a local contact for gathering and reporting feedback from bus users.

Core activities:

• Occasionally check shelters, signs, and timetable cases and report damage or issues
• Pass on local compliments or complaints to operators and the County Council
• Log and report service issues like lateness, cancellations, or poor experiences

Optional:

• Build your visibility locally so bus users know to share concerns with you
• Serve as a key contact for transport issues in your community

3. ADVOCACY

Be a voice for local buses—support and campaign for improvements.

Core activities:

• Attend Somerset Bus Partnership meetings (usually online)
• Engage with your local councillors and MP about bus services

Optional:

• Create or join a local bus user group to build wider community support
• Work with your community to develop a local "ideal bus network" vision
• Promote bus service considerations in neighbourhood plans or planning applications

💬 What we are looking for

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Confident speaking with a wide range of people
• Friendly, enthusiastic and approachable
• Interested in public transport and buses in Somerset
• Able to engage with young, old, able, and disabled members of the public

🕒 Time Commitment

Flexible to your availability. Champions typically spend a few hours per month on checks, updates, or attending meetings. Many tasks can be done at your own pace.

🌍 Location Where you live! Remote and flexible – most tasks can be done from home or in your local area.

It would also be helpful if you could attend one of our bus stalls to gain insight into the advocacy work we do.

🤝 Support Provided

• Information packs, templates, and guidance from Somerset Bus Partnership
• Opportunities to connect with other Champions across the county
• Ongoing support from our core team

🎁 Benefits to You

• Help shape better transport in your area
• Be part of a growing network making a real impact
• Build confidence, leadership, and advocacy skills
• A meaningful volunteer role you can tailor to your availability

📧 Want to be a Local Bus Champion?

Get in touch—we’d love to have you onboard!