Have you tried the bus lately?

If you haven’t taken the bus for a while, you might be surprised by how much things have changed. Across Wiltshire, bus travel has been improving steadily, becoming more convenient, more comfortable and better value for money. With multiple operators serving the county, features and services can vary, but one thing is clear, buses have come a long way and the benefits of using them are getting better and better.

Modern, comfortable and reliable

Today’s buses offer a level of comfort and convenience that many people aren’t aware of. Depending on the operator you may find:

• Onboard Wi-Fi
• USB charging points to keep you connected
• Audio-visual announcements for clear, accessible stop information
• More reliable services thanks to continued investment across the network

These upgrades make bus travel more pleasant, practical and accessible for everyone.

Good value, simple ticketing

Bus travel can save you money. With rising living costs, affordable transport matters more than ever. A range of options make travelling by bus easier on your wallet.

• £3 or less on single journeys
• Wiltshire Day Rover (£11.50) giving unlimited travel for a day across participating services

It’s never been simpler to plan your journey without worrying about cost or complexity of using different bus operators.

Easy, quick contactless payments

• Every bus operator across Wiltshire now accepts contactless payment, making boarding fast, simple and hassle-free. Just tap your card, phone or smart device, no need for cash
• All of the main bus operators across the county now offer tap on, tap off contactless payments for some or all of their journeys. Simply use your card, phone or smart device to tap on using the driver’s ticket machine at the start of each journey and depending on your bus operator, tap off at the end of each journey either on the reader located by the exit door or the same reader you used to tap in

A greener, smarter way to travel

Choosing the bus is one of the simplest ways to help reduce local congestion and cut carbon emissions. Every journey taken by bus rather than car helps ease pressure on our roads and supports cleaner air in our towns and rural communities.

Wiltshire’s bus fleet is also becoming cleaner and more sustainable:

• 72% of buses now meet the low-emission Euro 6 standard
• 30 brand new electric buses will soon be arriving in Salisbury which will enable older buses in the fleet to be replaced

So when you travel by bus, you’re not just getting where you need to go, you’re helping the environment too.

Safety and security you can depend on

Feeling safe is a key part of any journey, and bus operators across Wiltshire continue to invest in safety measures. Modern buses and onboard technology play an important role in providing reassurance and ensuring a secure travel environment. Key features include:

• CCTV on board most buses, supporting safer journeys for passengers and drivers
• Well-trained professional drivers who are equipped to handle a wide range of situations calmly and confidently
• Accessible low-floor buses, making boarding safer and easier for everyone
• More consistent, reliable services, which help reduce waiting times and uncertainty

These measures work together to help make bus travel a safe, secure and welcoming option for everyday journeys.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “If you haven’t used the bus in a while, now is a great time to rediscover it. With better value fares, modern features, more environmentally friendly vehicles and straightforward payment options, bus travel is a convenient and sustainable choice for everyday journeys.

“The £7 million from the Department for Transport to invest in the county’s bus services for 2025 and 2026 means there’s more improvement still to come including providing extended hours and increased frequency for some services and improving passenger waiting facilities which will soon be rolled out across the whole of the county

“So next time you’re heading out, why not hop on board and see the difference for yourself?”