New bus route to serve ‘struggling’ Bristol community after successful residents’ campaign

From Sunday (September 1), the new 61 service from Brislington to Canon’s Marsh will run through the Dings community in St Philip's.          

It comes after the Old Market Community Association (OMCA) secured WESTlocal funding via the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority for the 18-month trial route.  

The bus will run hourly from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, operated by Brighton-based bus company Big Lemon.    

An OMCA spokesperson said: “This will mean residents have access to vital amenities not currently available in the Dings, like grocery stores, pharmacies, and schools.    

“Those with mobility issues will also be able to more easily access Old Market.”

OMCA applied for funding for the route after previously calling for First’s former 36 service to be diverted to the Dings.         

They told BristolWorld how they were frustrated that First’s 5 service - which replaced the 36 in April - continued to leave the area unserved. 

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First said previously they “haven’t served much of the Dings area as there hasn’t been enough residential and business population to support a sustainable bus service”.                

But OMCA argued a service was needed due to the amount of development happening in the area, including the Temple Quarter project where some 10,000 new homes are planned. 

The new 61 bus route has been named after the year the Dings resident Marilyn moved into the area, 1961.

After a loop of the Brislington area, the bus will travel through the Dings, Old Market and central Bristol before arriving at the Canon's Marsh area. 

OMCA are also trying to secure a stop that serves Avonmeads in the future.