Innovative new bus services to connect rural Pewsey Vale areas
One of the new services will be 'on-demand'
Last updated 28th Jul 2023
Five new Wiltshire Connect bus services are being launched by Wiltshire Council to connect the rural areas of the Pewsey Vale.
There will also be several revised services, aimed at serving passengers at times that suit them.
£1.2 million of funding from the Government’s Rural Mobility Fund is supporting the services following a successful bid from the Council.
The first service will launch on July 31st.
Launching in phases over the coming months and will feature both on-demand and semi-flexible buses, which can pick up and drop off passengers where they want to go and when they want to reach their destination.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Wiltshire Connect is a revolutionary new bus service that will serve thousands of Wiltshire residents, connecting communities and helping to tackle rural isolation.
Passengers will be able to book an on-demand bus from a stop of their choice at a time that suits them, through a smartphone app or by phone. They’ll be able to select their destination too.
The semi-flexible service is halfway between a standard timetabled bus service and the on-demand service. They follow a timetable but are able to detour with flexibility to pick up and drop off those who have booked in advance.
Both on-demand and semi-flexible services will be operated by Salisbury Reds, though they will feature the green Wiltshire Connect branding.
Salisbury Reds managing director Andrew Wickham says it’s an ‘excellent’ opportunity to make rural areas more accessible as well as encouraging people to leave cars at home.
Wiltshire Connect buses will cost £2 for adults for all journeys until 31st October, from 1st November this year to 30th November 2024, fares will rise to between £2-£2.50 for adults, depending on the length of the journey.
Following that, the standard fares for all journeys will be £2 or £3 for adults, while children and young people aged under 21 pay half fare of £1 or £1.50, depending on the length of the journey.
Ten journey tickets are also available for both adults and young people at a reduced rate.