Rural on-demand bus service continues to expand

Nigel Adams is one of the new drivers and is delighted with his new electric bus

A rural on-demand bus service is expanding after clocking up more than 70,000 journeys since its launch.

Wiltshire Connect, which allows customers to request a bus and destination on an app, started in the Pewsey Vale in 2023.

Since then, services have been introduced for the countryside around Malmesbury, Royal Wootton Bassett and now a new one has been launched for Warminster and Mere.

Jason Salter, head of passenger transport at Wiltshire Council, said: "A lot of younger people are using this service, which is great news."

"We've turned off some of our more traditional transport routes. We are hoping this service [Warminster] will be as successful as Pewsey Vale," he said.

Ellie Land works at Stourhead, run by the National Trust, and does not have a car, usually navigating the countryside on her old motorbike.

She said the bus will make a "massive difference" - and has already used the new Warminster service.

"My bike wouldn't start in the morning and I was in a bit of panic about how I was going to get to work.

"I went onto the app and dialled for a ride. They've got a live tracker on it - you get a map to see where your driver is."

There are three buses in the new fleet for Warminster and Mere

The National Trust has been interested in the bus, hoping it can help local people get to Stourhead from places like Warminster Railway Station much more easily.

Railway companies have been pushing the services as well, as a better link to the stations.

Wiltshire Council's Jason Salter and councillor Martin Smith said the buses had already been a success in the Pewsey Vale

Nigel Adams is one of the new drivers for the Warminster service - which has three minibuses, including one electric, which he will be driving.

"Absolutely amazing. Honestly it is a beautiful bus to drive," he said.

He said the bus is modified for wheelchair access too and while most people book to get on and off at specific stops, wheelchair users and vulnerable passengers can be taken door-to-door.

The buses are adaptable - for example, seats can move for wheelchairs

Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member in charge of transport, emphasised that the service was also about reducing isolation.

"It's enabled lots of people to access lots of destinations they would otherwise have struggled to get to. It's a really interesting model for rural areas," he said.

The buses operate 06:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:00 to 19.30 on Saturdays.