A VINTAGE bus link between two Somerset stations has launched in place of traditional steam trains - while key level crossing work takes place.
On Friday, July 16, there were trains running almost the full length of the West Somerset Railway (WSR), along with a fleet of heritage buses ready to take visitors from Dunster to Minehead.
During the first four days of the bus link, there were nearly 1,000 passengers and the railway takings were around £20,000.
The buses will continue throughout the summer, until the re-opening of the Seaward Way level crossing.
Work is being done on the £1million upgrade of the crossing, to make sure it complies with modern regulations.
READ MORE: Somerset County Council upgrade to Seaward Way level crossing
The work was supposed to be complete by 2020, but it has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic - and the crossing is now not due to open until October 2021.
READ MORE: Ian Liddell-Grainger says WSR Seaward Way crossing upgrade should be 'a priority'
READ MORE: No trains between Dunster and Minehead until October due to crossing delays
And therefore, West Somerset Railway trains cannot run between Dunster and Minehead while the upgrade is work is taking place.
Vintage buses are being used so visitors can still travel from Taunton to Minehead - one of which is nearly 90 years old.
This former Devon General AEC double decker was originally built in 1934 with a closed top, and was converted to open in 1955.
The second bus, a Bristol VR type, is just 45 years old.
A more modern bus is also available for disabled passengers.
Travel on the buses is included in the railway ticket, but visitors who are not travelling on the railway will not be able to travel on the buses.
The WSR has now opened all staffed stations between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, including Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton, Watchet, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead. This means passengers will now be able to buy tickets without pre-booking.
But smaller stations - Doniford and Washford - are still closed, so passengers can remain safe while Covid-19 is still affecting parts of the UK.
To find out more visit west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
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