On-demand bus service expands to rural communities

A bus service has expanded to help improve connections for rural communities.

Wiltshire Council's Connect bus service, which has carried more than 100,000 passengers since launching in Pewsey Vale in 2023, now serves Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury.

The buses are on-demand and can be booked either through an app or over the phone.

Parvis Khansari, from the council, said: "This service is helping to improve transport options, connecting residents and making it easier for people to travel in rural areas."

The newly-expanded service will serve the rural area around Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury, including Bradenstoke, Broad Town, Cricklade, Great Somerford, Sutton Benger, Minety, Ashton Keynes, Purton and Hook.

It will also provide new public transport links to the Orbital Shopping Park in Swindon and the Great Western Hospital.

Wiltshire Connect is offering free introductory travel until 3 May, after that, adult fares will cost £2 or £3, depending on the length of the journey.

People aged under 18 will pay half fare, and tickets valid for 10 journeys are also available at a reduced rate.

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