'Park and bus' facility linking two towns opens

A "park and bus" facility linking a new housing estate to two Somerset towns has opened.

The free car park sits on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, at the Orchard Grove development, and will be served by 22, 22A and X22 buses.

The 200-space car park was completed in summer 2025, but Somerset Council said delays in signing paperwork meant it could not open immediately.

Richard Wilkins, the council's lead for transport, said it was part of an effort to make "bus travel more attractive".

The facility does not form part of Taunton's existing park and ride network. Instead, users will use existing bus routes serving the car park, at their normal cost.

"This service is convenient, avoids the need to find a town centre parking space and helps reduce our carbon footprint," Wilkins said.

The Orchard Grove development will eventually comprise of 2,000 homes and a primary school and is being built by a number of different of different developers.

Peter Sadler, managing director of Vistry Southwest - one of the developers building at Orchard Grove - said he was "delighted" the park and bus facility was now open.

"This represents a significant milestone and demonstrates our commitment to creating a modern, sustainable community with excellent transport connections," he said.

"The facility will benefit not only our growing number of residents but also the wider area, providing convenient access to public transport."

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