A MAJOR plan to boost bus services across Gloucestershire, including key routes serving the Forest of Dean, is set to be discussed next month.

Gloucestershire County Council will review the next phase of its Bus Service Improvement Plan at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 5, aiming to increase passenger numbers and improve reliability.

Proposed upgrades include enhancements to the ‘Daffodil’ 232 service connecting Newent with Gloucester and improvements to the 801 Sunday service.

The plan includes over £8 million in funding from the Department for Transport, with money allocated for new infrastructure, service upgrades, and technology improvements such as real-time timetable displays and audio-visual announcements on older buses.

Further investment in marketing and awareness campaigns is also planned, aiming to encourage more people to consider buses as a viable alternative to driving. A new digital bus service network map and redesigned roadside displays are expected to make it easier for passengers to access up-to-date information.

Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are incredibly excited about the transformative potential of our Bus Service Improvement Plan. This ambitious plan will not only enhance the quality and reliability of bus services across Gloucestershire but also encourage more residents to choose public transport, contributing to a greener and more connected county."

While the plan includes investment in services in Cheltenham and Gloucester, Forest of Dean passengers will be watching closely to see how much direct benefit the rural bus network receives.

Access to reliable bus services remains a concern in many parts of the district, where infrequent services can make public transport a less viable option.

A final Delivery Plan must be submitted by Sunday, March 31, to secure funding, with quarterly monitoring reports ensuring transparency in the rollout of improvements.