Swindon Bus Company steps in to save crucial Route 9 for Wroughton residents
Tracey Ryan relieved as bus service reprieve ensures continued work commute
Tracey Ryan from Wroughton experienced "massive relief" upon learning that the Stagecoach number 9 bus service, vital for her daily commute, will continue under Swindon Bus Company.
The reprieve follows Stagecoach's recent announcement that the bus, which connects Wroughton to Swindon, would be discontinued from 1st April.
As the administrative team member at Kingfisher Academy, 51-year-old Tracey relies on Route 9 for transportation between the villages, and the impending withdrawal had left her distraught, fearing the need to leave her job.
She shared her concerns about alternative travel options and their wider impact on the community, particularly residents' access to local amenities like Waitrose in Wichelstowe.
With Swindon Bus Company stepping in on 12th April, Tracey is assured she can maintain her employment without disruption.
Swindon Bus Company's general manager, Andrew Sherrington, acknowledged the significance of Route 9 for local residents.
He stated, "We’ve listened very carefully to the views of local people about their requirements for bus travel."
Operating commercially without council funding, Swindon Bus Company will run Route 9 every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and hourly on Sundays.
Route 9 tickets, including Dayrider and TravelPass options, will continue to be valid, ensuring a seamless transition for passengers.
This proactive engagement reflects Swindon Bus Company's commitment to enhancing regional bus services and minimising disruptions to customers’ daily routines.
The action taken by the company prevents an interval until June, when Swindon Borough Council's replacement bus route was initially projected to be ready.