22nd April 2026

This Earth Day in Bristol, we’re celebrating our free hospital shuttle bus service - a key part of accessible, sustainable transport in the city. The shuttle doesn’t just make our hospitals easier to reach for patients, staff and visitors but it also plays an important role in reducing our environmental impact.

UHBW and the Sustainable Travel Team support a range of initiatives that promote greener travel in Bristol. Including the National Lift Share Club, helping NHS staff commute without bringing their cars, to electric vans transporting supplies between hospitals and GP practices, and of course the hospital shuttle buses, with each initiative helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Since the Bristol Clean Air Zone was introduced in 2022, services like the shuttle bus have become even more important in supporting low‑carbon travel and cleaner air across the city.

Thanks to our generous supporters, we’ve been able to fund the shuttle buses for another year, ensuring this accessible healthcare transport remains free for patients, staff and visitors who rely on it.

  

Making hospitals accessible – and sustainable

The hospital shuttle buses operate across Bristol city centre and Weston‑super‑Mare, helping people travel easily between hospital sites, transport hubs and rail connections. This community transport service plays a key role in improving public transport access across your ten hospitals in Bristol and Weston.

Every month, around 6,000 patients, staff and visitors use the service. That’s potentially 6,000 fewer car journeys on local roads each month, helping to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions and support sustainable travel in Bristol.

On Earth Day, it’s a powerful reminder that small, practical choices, like using shared or public transport, can make a meaningful difference for both climate action and community wellbeing.
  

“I don’t know how I’d get here without this bus”

For many passengers, the shuttle bus is about far more than sustainable transport - it’s a lifeline.

One bus user shared just how vital the service has been:

“We would like to let you know how important the availability of this service has been to us. My husband has been having radiotherapy every day for 20 days and all the drivers have been just wonderful, always cheerful and very helpful.

“They always got us to the hospital in good time for the appointments, in spite of road blockages, traffic jams and the weather.

“We also made use of the shuttle bus within Bristol to get to and from the railway station when we couldn’t use the Weston bus. Again, the drivers were friendly and helpful.

“Thank you all for providing this valuable service.”

Stories like this show how accessible healthcare transport can reduce stress and provide reassurance during what can be an incredibly difficult time.
  

Bus Driver, Stella Jelly

‘It’s a lifeline for patients and staff’

Pictured is Stella Jelly, one of the drivers of the free hospital shuttle bus, and also one of our incredible community fundraisers who took part in our Big Bristol Abseil down St Michael's Hospital. 

Stella shared what the service means to those who rely on it every day:

“Every day, the UHBW shuttle bus makes a real difference for patients, visitors and staff travelling between hospital sites. The gratitude expressed by passengers is heartfelt: “I don’t know how I’d get here without this bus” is a phrase me and the other shuttle bus drivers hear time and again.

Driving the shuttle bus is honestly one of the best parts of my job. I love being able to help patients and staff get where they need to go, and it’s always nice to hear how much they appreciate the service. It feels good knowing I’m making their day a little easier.

The shuttle bus service is more than transport – it’s a symbol of care, community and compassion.

We are really grateful for the support of the hospitals charity. The shuttle bus continues to provide comfort and connection for everyone who relies on it.”

  

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This Earth Day, we’re proud to support a service that helps people travel to our hospitals kindly, sustainably and with care, while reducing emissions and encouraging greener travel across Bristol, every single day.

Find out more about the hospital bus, check timetables, or make a donation to support projects like the free bus service. 

MAKE A DONATION CHECK BUS TIMETABLES

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