The Go-Ahead Group this week launched a demand-responsive service to serve rural communities in North Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Connect, which is run by the group’s subsidiary Salisbury Reds on behalf of Wiltshire Council, will allow locals and visitors to summon a bus via an app.
It will funded by the local authority with support from the the government’s Rural Mobility Fund.
The network stretches across the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means it could prove popular with visitors as well as locals. All journeys will be a maximum of £2 under the government’s fare cap scheme.
This week saw the opening up of the first of three zones, serving the Pewsey Vale area. The Marlborough and Great Bedwyn zones will begin on 4 September and 30 October respectively.
This is the fourth on-demand service to be operated by Go-Ahead, following JustGo in north Lincolnshire, PickMeUp in Buckinghamshire and The Robin in the Forest of Dean.
Mark Anderson, Go-Ahead’s Customer and Commercial Director, says: “These buses are a terrific initiative, and we’re proud to be operating them for Wiltshire Council. We believe demand-responsive transport is an important concept in providing reliable bus service to rural communities.
“Wiltshire Connect will make it easier and more convenient for local residents to get to schools, hospitals, shops and work, or to connect with fixed bus and rail networks. Visitors will be able to summon a bus at the touch of a button to visit some of the west of England’s most stunning chalk downs, villages and arable landscapes.”
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, adds: “Wiltshire Connect is a revolutionary new bus service that will serve thousands of Wiltshire residents, connecting communities and helping to tackle rural isolation.
“These innovative new services combine semi-flexible and on-demand buses to give people a service that takes them where they want to go, at a time that suits them and for a reasonable price. People can either hop on and off a timetabled semi-flexible service, or book in advance using the smartphone app or by calling us – it’s very easy to use.
“In our business plan, we set out our commitments to have vibrant, well-connected communities, and to build an efficient and effective transport network that offers a viable alternative to the car, and Wiltshire Connect does just that for all residents in the Pewsey Vale are and beyond.”
