Swindon Bus Summit: town’s bus future to be discussed

A Swindon Bus Summit is being held for the first time on Friday 13 January to discuss the future of bus services in the area.

The summit, convened by Stagecoach West and Go-Ahead-owned Swindon’s Bus Company, invites stakeholders to explore what can be done to protect bus services.

The summit comes as patronage on some of the town’s services are running at below 70% of

pre-Covid levels and fuel costs continue to impact the industry.

Significant stakeholders for the Swindon district will be in attendance, including Sir Robert Buckland MP, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr David Renard, alongside large employers in the region.

Items up for discussion include network coverage, as well as fares and ticketing options to encourage customers on board.

“It is not acceptable to see our networks decline and partnership is the only way we’ll turn this around” – Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director for Stagecoach West

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director for Stagecoach West, said: “I am reassured to see the attendance of such key local figures at Swindon Bus Summit. It gives me hope that by working together, we can protect bus services and improve connectivity for our local communities.

“It is not acceptable to see our networks decline and partnership is the only way we’ll turn this around. Otherwise, future goals such as the target for Net Zero before 2050, will never come to fruition.”

“It is important that we work together to ensure buses are the transport of choice for people living and working in Swindon” – Swindon’s Bus Company’s Managing Director, Andrew Wickham

Swindon’s Bus Company’s Managing Director, Andrew Wickham, said: “I’m encouraged by the response from local stakeholders to this event. It is important that we work together to ensure buses are the transport of choice for people living and working in Swindon – as well as for visitors to the town.

“We have worked hard to achieve this over recent years – introducing new, low emissions, buses. These are helping to improve air quality across our area, with one bus having the potential to take many cars off our roads. We should do everything possible to preserve and enhance this sustainable form of travel across Swindon.”

The Swindon Bus Summit is being held at The Leonardo Hotel, Fleming Way, Swindon.