Wiltshire Connect bus services launch in the Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury areas today

Wiltshire Council has expanded its successful Wiltshire Connect bus service to Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury to connect rural communities at a time that suits passengers.

Wiltshire Connect offers a on-demand service that enables people to book journeys at a time to suit them using the Wiltshire Connect app or by phone. Anyone can book and travel between any designated pick up and drop off point within each travel zone, and the council's smart technology matches up journeys with other passengers travelling in the same direction.

The service was originally launched in the Pewsey Vale area in August 2023 and has been a resounding success. Since its launch, the service has carried just over 100,000 passengers.

The newly expanded service covers the rural area around Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury including Bradenstoke, Broad Town, Cricklade, Great Somerford, Sutton Benger, Minety, Ashton Keynes, Purton and Hook. The service will also provide new public transport links to the Orbital Shopping Park in Swindon and the Great Western Hospital.

Parvis Khansari, Corporate Director for Place, said: We are pleased to expand our successful Wiltshire Connect service into the Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury areas.

The service has proven to be highly effective in the Pewsey Vale, and we are excited to bring these benefits to the communities of Royal Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury.

By offering on-demand buses, Wiltshire Connect provides a flexible and affordable travel solution, enabling people to reach their destinations at times that work best for them.

We look forward to seeing the service expand further and continue to support more people throughout Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Connect is offering free introductory travel from Wednesday 23 April to Saturday 3 May. After this period, adult fares will be £2 or £3, depending on the length of the journey. Young people aged 18 and under pay half fare, with tickets priced at £1 or £1.50, depending on the journey length. Ten-journey tickets are also available for both adults and young people at a reduced rate. Bus pass holders can use their pass after 9 am from Monday to Friday, as well as all day on Saturdays.

The Wiltshire Connect app is available to download on Apple and Android devices, and anyone without access to a smartphone can call 01225 712900 to book their ride. To find out more about Wiltshire Connect, including route maps, people can go to www.wiltshireconnect.co.uk.