On 2 April 2023, the number 23 bus service was withdrawn by First, leaving many people living in Ashton Vale unable to access amenities such as the doctors surgery, chemist or even the supermarket. 

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA), under the leadership of Metro Mayor Dan Norris, has a duty to ensure residents are able to access these vital facilities.

Last year, a campaign to save the 173 bus route in Somerset was successful following a petition signed by 600 people. First indicated in July that the route could be scrapped in the autumn, citing a severe shortage of bus drivers and the withdrawal of government funding provided during the coronavirus pandemic. This is very similar to the reasons given for cancelling the number 23. 

Residents believe First want to scrap the route because of the lack of access for double decker buses due to a low railway bridge. First say the route is not profitable but this is a catch 22 situation - residents are unable to rely on the bus service (which most recently ran only once an hour from 7am to 7pm) and many who would use it for work have made alternative arrangements.