Swindon's MPs Catch The Bus To Support Local Operators

Swindon’s MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, have jumped on board with local bus operators Thamesdown Transport and Stagecoach West in support of Catch the Bus Week.

Catch the Bus Week, which continues until this Sunday, is the annual celebration of the bus, organised by Greener Journeys, to recognise the importance of buses to the UK’s transport mix.

According to figures from Greener Journeys, bus users generate £64 billion of benefits to the economy and with every £1 invested in bus infrastructure providing up to £7 of economic benefit, buses are a vital driver of the UK’s economic growth.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland met with Thamesdown’s Assistant Operations Manager, Alison Coles, and Shelley Usher, Operations Manager of Stagecoach in Swindon to signal the closing days of Catch the Bus Week. 

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “As a local resident and regular user myself, I know just how important our bus network is. It often acts as a crucial service to the more vulnerable people in our society and of course helps to contribute to the protection of our environment.  I would encourage all Swindon residents to use their local bus when possible so that services are supported and viable.  As the Minister for Disabled People, I am also having conversations with leading charities and organisations to explore how our public transport across the country can become more accessible.”

Robert Buckland MP said: “Catch the Bus Week is a fantastic time to raise awareness of the benefits of taking the bus and I am pleased to be here today supporting the campaign as a local bus user myself. I hope to see the campaign grow from strength to strength in the future as more and more people see how easy it is to travel by bus.”

Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of Thamesdown, said: “As one of the UK’s fastest growing towns, Swindon is an exciting place to be and providing bus services that take people where they want to go, at the times they want to travel is a priority for us. The support that buses have received from other local businesses and our MPs during Catch the Bus Week shows just how important bus travel is seen across the town.”

Rupert Cox, Managing Director of Stagecoach in Swindon, said: “Buses are a vital part of the Swindon economy. Everyday thousands of people across town rely on the bus to get them to work, shops and other leisure pursuits. Many customers are now travelling on the new Travelpass smartcard – a great value smart ticket that allows travel on either Stagecoach or Thamesdown buses.”