A number of heavily subsidised bus services that have experienced consistently low passenger demand and high costs per passenger will end from 28 November 2026. For affected communities, The Robin will provide a flexible alternative alongside existing bus services. The service already operates in the Cinderford, Lydney and Newent areas, while coverage for the Mitcheldean/Monmouth area will be available from 1 November 2026. The expansion will help ensure communities remain connected, with public transport options continuing to be available.
The following services will be affected:
If you require further information please scroll down to our frequently asked questions below.
More communities across Gloucestershire will be able to benefit from Gloucestershire's bookable bus as The Robin expands its coverage from 1 November 2026.
Unlike a traditional bus service that follows a fixed route and timetable, The Robin provides flexible transport in an area to give passengers a convenient way to make local journeys. It's also easy to book via the app, website or our call centre.
The expansion forms part of Gloucestershire County Council’s commitment to supporting better public transport while focusing funding on services that are sustainable, flexible and provide value for money.
Further information: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/the-robin/
Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, said: “The expansion of The Robin is good news for communities across Gloucestershire, giving more people access to flexible public transport that they can book around the journeys they want to make, when they want to make them.
“We understand that changes to existing bus services may be disappointing for some passengers. Where services have consistently seen low passenger numbers and high costs, we need to look at different ways of keeping communities connected.
“The expanded Robin service will provide an alternative in the affected areas while helping us make the best use of the funding available.”
The following services are ending:
· 23a/35a (Cinderford – Blakeney/Monmouth)
· 632 (Tillers Green - Newent)
· 656 (Dumbleton – Bishops Cleeve)
· 679 (Newent – Ledbury)
· 693 (Highleadon – Newent)
· 701 (St Briavels – Coleford)
· 777 (Lydney – Milkwall)
· 790 (Newnham – Cinderford)
· 832 (Cold Aston - Andoversford)
The following services are ending:
· 23a/35a (Cinderford – Blakeney/Monmouth)
· 632 (Tillers Green - Newent)
· 656 (Dumbleton – Bishops Cleeve)
· 679 (Newent – Ledbury)
· 693 (Highleadon – Newent)
· 701 (St Briavels – Coleford)
· 777 (Lydney – Milkwall)
· 790 (Newnham – Cinderford)
· 832 (Cold Aston - Andoversford)
All services will end on Saturday 28 November 2026.
All services will end on Saturday 28 November 2026.
The services have experienced very low passenger demand and require ongoing public subsidy due to a high cost per passenger. The decision to end these services was approved by Cabinet as part of the council’s 2026/27 budget, so funding can be focused on transport options that are more sustainable and provide better value for money, such as The Robin (Gloucestershire’s bookable bus).
The services have experienced very low passenger demand and require ongoing public subsidy due to a high cost per passenger. The decision to end these services was approved by Cabinet as part of the council’s 2026/27 budget, so funding can be focused on transport options that are more sustainable and provide better value for money, such as The Robin (Gloucestershire’s bookable bus).
All affected communities will be able to use The Robin, Gloucestershire’s bookable bus service, alongside continuing bus services. If you wish to learn more about The Robin, click here.
All affected communities will be able to use The Robin, Gloucestershire’s bookable bus service, alongside continuing bus services. If you wish to learn more about The Robin, click here.
The Robin is Gloucestershire County Council’s flexible, bookable bus service, helping people travel across the county. Passengers can book journeys between available stops, providing greater flexibility to reach local destinations or connect with other transport services.
The Robin is Gloucestershire County Council’s flexible, bookable bus service, helping people travel across the county. Passengers can book journeys between available stops, providing greater flexibility to reach local destinations or connect with other transport services.
The Robin covers six major areas across the county, these include Berkeley Vale, North & South Cotswolds, South Forest of Dean, Newent and Tewkesbury. From 1 November, coverage will expand to include villages and towns such as Frampton on Severn, Monmouth, Cinderford, Mickleton and Birdlip.
Coverage varies by area, so check your local Robin zone and stop list before booking.
The Robin covers six major areas across the county, these include Berkeley Vale, North & South Cotswolds, South Forest of Dean, Newent and Tewkesbury. From 1 November, coverage will expand to include villages and towns such as Frampton on Severn, Monmouth, Cinderford, Mickleton and Birdlip.
Coverage varies by area, so check your local Robin zone and stop list before booking.
You can book through The Robin website, using The Robin mobile app, or by calling 0345 263 8139 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You can book your journey up to two weeks ahead, or as little as one hour before you wish to travel, subject to availability.
You can book through The Robin website, using The Robin mobile app, or by calling 0345 263 8139 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You can book your journey up to two weeks ahead, or as little as one hour before you wish to travel, subject to availability.
Yes. Concessionary bus pass holders can travel free. Select the concessionary pass option when booking and present your pass when you board.
Yes. Concessionary bus pass holders can travel free. Select the concessionary pass option when booking and present your pass when you board.
A single adult journey currently costs £3. Children aged 5 to 15 pay £2.50, and children under five travel free. Concessionary bus pass holders travel free. Fares are subject to change, so check the latest prices before booking.
A single adult journey currently costs £3. Children aged 5 to 15 pay £2.50, and children under five travel free. Concessionary bus pass holders travel free. Fares are subject to change, so check the latest prices before booking.
For help with The Robin or an existing booking, call 0345 263 8139 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. You can also use the council’s Transport and Travel webpages to check Robin stops, fixed-route bus services and journey-planning information.
For help with The Robin or an existing booking, call 0345 263 8139 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. You can also use the council’s Transport and Travel webpages to check Robin stops, fixed-route bus services and journey-planning information.