I have often wondered, watching the Tootbuses crawl around the rain-swept winter streets of Bath, why the service doesn’t pause in January and February, rather than plodding their weary, often empty way around the city.
We’re not exactly awash with tourists at this time.
As First Bus have recently acquired the hop-on hop-off buses, I put that question to them.
A spokesperson said: “We took over the business at the end of last year, and we’re currently reviewing how the business operates.”
We will have to wait and see if there are any changes.
Meanwhile, a quick response from Malcolm Baldwin, who is the Chair of the Circus Area Residents Association (CARA).
He writes:
“A timely intervention on your part regarding the current TootBus operation!
On behalf of our Circus area residents and impacted local businesses, we have recently re-initiated a dialogue in respect of looking for improvements in the operation of the TootBus operation within our catchment area, which hopefully might also bring mutual benefits to a larger part of the city.
The apparent illogical nature of the off-season TootBus schedule, for example, together with the aspect of both the size and non-electric nature of this recognised as important visitor tour facility, is something we are hoping to discuss relatively soon with the new First Bus operators.
It is most reassuring to hear that First Bus are “………currently reviewing how the business operates” and we will welcome the opportunity to extend the discussions with them, alongside dialogues which our residents’ association already have in hand with other relevant parties.
The images below provide a comparison of what can be achieved on the continent compared with what we appear to be able to achieve in Brock Street, an important linkage street between two iconic heritage locations of the Circus and the Royal Crescent.
Pity we can’t get more of the Toulouse weather as well!”
Thanks for that Malcolm.
More to the point, can they not be switched to electric, as they frequently spend time sitting outside homes with their engines running?
I use these buses at least 3 times a week to go to & from town, as my nearest bus stop is 1/4 mile away and at 82 that’s a long way to carry my shopping !!! I am not the only one, but I am not sure if many people realise that as a ‘local’ we can use this bus as any other, and have been able to for years. I would miss it if First stopped it in the winter. Surprisingly, unless it is absolutely pouring with rain, there are always tourists on it
Use the Toot bus with my bus pass? That sounds like a good deal!
It’s perfect for those of us who live near here. Too far to be allowed the Wessex Water bus, and a trek to the No 2!!
I was just thinking exactly the same today.
What about smaller buses all year round?Prague has a better size that would work in Bath
Excellent idea.
Or, closer to home, the ones at Dyrham Park that ferry visitors between the car park and house.