Bus infrastructure upgrades coming to Wiltshire thanks to £2 million funding
Plan aims to make public transport safer and more accessible
Wiltshire is set to benefit from significant improvements to its bus shelters, supported by £2 million of funding from the Department for Transport.
The renovation project will include safety upgrades and infrastructure replacements for shelters in need across Wiltshire's 18 community areas.
Councillor Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "It's obviously a major investment in public transport and, you know, it will improve the passenger experience across Wiltshire."
The county has almost 5,000 bus stops and 800 shelters, many of which are overdue an upgrade.
Cllr Smith said: "We've got thousands of bus stops. Many of them are not in good condition and a good quality infrastructure will make public transport safer, make it more comfortable for passengers."
Improved experience & reduced congestion
While Cllr Smith said specific locations and timelines have not yet been confirmed, the project will be delivered in phases over several years due to the scale of the work.
Cllr Smith told us the work would see stops and shelters in rural areas boosted, or even added to, while urban areas could see the introduction of real-time messaging to let people known when the next bus is due.
He emphasised the impact of good quality infrastructure on public transport usage. "It will make public transport safer, more comfortable and provide more incentives for people to use buses."
This move is expected to enhance the passenger experience for Wiltshire residents, particularly in rural areas where public transport is essential for community connectivity.
Improved bus stops and shelters are anticipated to increase local usage and reduce road congestion in the county's towns and city.
He said: "The more local journeys we can get onto public transport or, you know, into active travel route modes like cycling and walking, the better for everybody in terms of that congestion. If we can increase the numbers that are using public transport, then I think that benefits everybody.
Cllr Smith highlighted the potential for new shelter installations in previously unserved locations, noting that community feedback is being considered to prioritize the most vital upgrades.