Swindon bus summit invites stakeholders to discuss future of bus services

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

The summit, convened by Stagecoach West and Swindon’s Bus Company, invites stakeholders to explore what can be done to protect bus services that are vital to keeping communities connected.

Bus passenger levels on some Swindon services are still running at below 70% of pre-COVID levels. Bus operators are also facing emerging financial challenges such as increasing fuel costs. Without effective solutions, bus services remain at risk.

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.

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.”

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.