On 18th June, 48 people from 19 different organisations came together at John Wesley’s New Room to take action on the issue of affordable bus travel across the west of England, for those who need this most. 
Within the room there were representatives from organisations across Bristol and South Gloucestershire including clergy from parishes across the Diocese of Bristol, a primary school and a further education college, Bristol University Students’ Union, Bristol Business School, foodbanks, and refugee and asylum seeker support organisations.
“Taking part in the Bristol bus campaign has truly transformed me. As an asylum seeker and advocate for the voiceless, I’ve gained confidence, public speaking skills, and a deep sense of solidarity with others.
“This campaign hasn’t just helped me grow. It has showed me that good people in this country truly care and are willing to stand with us. It has given me real hope.”
– Participant and asylum seeker
At the start of the event, attendees were asked to write on post it notes: ‘What happens when transport is no longer a barrier?’
The group also heard from community leaders affected by issues of bus affordability – from not being able to make hospital appointments, to having to rely on foodbanks, and for many, walking becoming their only mode of transport (one speakers shared that they are regularly walking up to 20kms a day). The group then split into delegations across 5 MP constituencies and wrote letters to invite their MPs and local Councillors asking to meet with them to gain their support and put pressure on WECA to ringfence newly available funding for a pilot scheme. Primary School students created their own letters and pictures of themselves, their families and their friends on buses.
A young person from Fishponds CE School shared that the campaign was important to her because:
“Sometimes I couldn’t go to places because my mum didn’t have the money [for the bus]”.
At the end of the workshop there was a palpable buzz in the room, with people sharing they felt “pumped”, “connected” and for one primary school student, “powerful.” Everyone agreed with this – the value of bringing people together to stand in solidarity with one another extends far beyond the asks of a single campaign.
If you would like to get involved with the campaign, please get in touch with Naomi by emailing naomi.jervis@bristoldiocese.org.