TWO at-risk bus services will continue running in Somerset, but the county faces reduced services all round as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

At the start of March it was revealed that Buses of Somerset, local arm of First Bus Group, would cease running three services.

These were the number 99 which runs from Chard to Taunton, the number 29 heading from Wells into Taunton, and the Bridgwater Town Route F.

Somerset County Council decided to take over the Bridgwater Route F with its own fleet.

Buses of Somerset dubbed the 99 service 'unsustainable' because of low passenger numbers, while and negotiations around the number 29 saw SSC decide to put it back out for tender.

The First Bus Group was set to cease running these services after April 4.

However, after the tender process and further negotiations, Buses of Somerset will now continue with the number 29 and 99 services.

While this does mean the two communities keep their provider from April 6, Buses of Somerset has also been forced to reduce its service across the board as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesman for the bus provider said: "Buses of Somerset is working with Government, local authorities and partners to reassess demand for all our services in light of the latest government requirement for people to refrain from all but essential travel.

“Whilst doing our utmost to maintain services for our customers, due to the drop in demand we are introducing an emergency timetable across our network with reduced service levels from Sunday, March 29.

“We urge people to visit our website for up-to-date travel information before travelling, and recommend using cashless payment methods such as contactless or using the First Bus mobile app to reduce the risk of spreading the virus."

To see the timetables online, go to firstgroup.com/somerset/current-bus-service.

The First Bus Group spokesman added: "We can also confirm Buses of Somerset has been awarded the continuing contracts to run Services 29 (which operates between Taunton and Wells via Ruishton, Creech St Michael, Othery, Ashcott, Street, Glastonbury) and 99 (operating between Taunton and Chard via Buckland St Mary) following a tender by Somerset County Council.

“We may have to make further changes to our timetables across the network as the situation evolves.”