London, UK, 9th December 2024 – Instead of plugging in headphones or burying heads in books while travelling on public transport, Brits are actually striking up conversations with strangers, as new research shows nearly three in 10 (30%) have made long-lasting friendships with people they have met on the bus.
The newly commissioned research by First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, reveals that the bus is a place where chance encounters evolve into lasting friendships.
Welcome to First Bus
Great to have you on board.
We're here to help you make the most of bus travel in Potteries and beyond. Need to plan a journey? Looking for the latest timetable? Want to stay in the know with service updates and travel information? You'll find it all right here.
Wherever you're heading next, we're with you every step of the way.

Our Journey
Your journeys mean everything to us, but we’ve been on our own journey too. We know bus isn’t always perfect, but we’ve been listening to our communities, and making changes for the better. Find out more.
Marsh Lane due to roadworks
Service 364a is unable to serve Marsh Lane and will divert via High Street & Marsh Lane (Partial) in Arksey for the remainder of today service
From 30 August 2026, ticketing across Somerset will be integrated into a single, easier-to-understand offer, giving customers greater flexibility when travelling throughout the region.
There are three town Fare Zones in the Somerset area; Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil - check the links below for the map of each zone.
The West of England Plus Zone allows travel in all three zones, as well as across Somerset and the West of England area to and from (and beyond!) Bath and Bristol.
Most single bus journeys will continue to cost a maximum of £3 until 2027 through the government’s National Bus Fare Cap scheme.
Please see below for your latest fares from August 2025:
Fares
.timeline { display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center; gap: 10px; position: relative; overflow-x: auto; padding: 20px 0; } .timeline-row { display: flex; justify-content: space-around; flex-direction: row; width: 100%; max-width: auto; min-width: 160px; } .timeline-item { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; position: relative; } .circle { width: 120px; height: 120px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex;Fares from 11th January 2026
Adult fares starting from just £2
Our single fares are distance-based all across Essex. Adult single fares will start from £2, rising to the maximum £3 national fare cap for longer journeys.
Due to carriageway works, Fore street will be closed to traffic from 7pm on Wednesday 11th December and is expected to last until 23:59 on Thursday 12th December 2024
Service D1 to Bath to divert from the Town Hall, onto Castle Street, Byethesea Road and then normal route at Stallard Street.
Service D2 heading towards Bath to operate the reverse of the above.
Road Closure-Fore Street, Trowbridge- (D1)
19:00 Wednesday 11th - 23:59 Thursday 12th December 2024
West Of England
----------
Fore Street will be closed to facilitate carriageway works from 7pm tonight and may continue through to Thursday 12th. This diversion will only apply to services heading to Bath and will divert Castle St to use Bythesea Road to resume on Stallard Street.
----------
Services to divert as follows:
4 and 4F to Pudsey Bus Station: Marsh Lane, East Street, Kirkgate, High Court, The Calls, Lower Briggate, Boar Lane.