A bus route heralded as a "saviour" by users is celebrating its first birthday this month.

The 232 Daffodil line from Ledbury to Ross via Newent was launched in April 2023 after Stagecoach stopped its links to the locations in 2022.

In its inaugural year, the line has transported over 43,000 passengers - an average of 800 per week.

 

 

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The bus service noted that over 40 per cent of its passengers opted to leave their cars at home on the day of travel as a result.

Clare Stone, chair of Buses4Us.org, said: "We are ambitious, we want a high frequency service, to retain our fair fares policy to encourage more people on board and to introduce electric buses when finance permits.

"We have made a good start in serving our communities, but there's more work to do in 2024."

The line has received important financial support from community businesses, nearby residents, town and parish councils, and Gloucestershire and Herefordshire County Councils.

It has also continued to be helped by community campaign group Rail&Bus for Herefordshire.

But due to the number of passengers carried, the level of financial support required is less than many rural services.

Les Lumsdon, director of Buses4us.org, said: "Passengers rate the bus operator DRM buses from Bromyard very highly.

"They especially like the drivers as they look out for them.

"This is a major success factor which has given us confidence to promote the Daffodil Line more widely to visitors coming to the area.

"Many walking groups have pledged to use the service and Herefordshire Tourism has promoted the route to good effect in recent months; we are grateful for this endorsement."

He added: "Our aim is to build on this as there are so many lovely attractions on the route such as Hellens and Westons Cider at Much Marcle, the Dymock Poets exhibition, Three Choirs vineyard near Newent and Wobage Farm Craft Workshops at Upton Bishop."

The 232 Daffodil Line is operational every day, including Sundays and Bank holidays, and covers a route from Ledbury Railway Station to Cantilupe Road in Ross-on-Wye, via Newent.

Timetables can be found on the Buses4us.org website.