Free bus travel before 9.30am for bus pass holders extended to end of April

Thursday, 6 April 2023 01:00

Wiltshire Council has confirmed that all holders of Wiltshire concessionary bus passes can continue using their pass to travel at any time on local bus services during April.

Normally, concessionary bus passes for older and disabled people cannot be used to travel before 9.30am on weekdays, but Wiltshire Council agreed with bus operators to temporarily lift this restriction from 1 September 2022 until 31 March 2023 to encourage more people to return to using public transport following the lifting of COVID restrictions.

Following the success of the scheme, the council and bus operators have now agreed that the offer will continue until 30 April on all local buses that operate within the Wiltshire Council area, or for any bus journeys that begin in Wiltshire. Concessionary passes cannot be used to board a bus within the Borough of Swindon before 9.30am on weekdays.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend this scheme, which allows Wiltshire concessionary bus pass holders to travel for free at any time on Wiltshire buses during April.

“This great offer helps to meet our Business Plan commitment to have well-connected communities, and to increase the use of public transport.

“I’d like to thank our bus operators, who have agreed to keep this initiative going for a further month to help boost bus travel in Wiltshire as this also help with the current cost of living pressures.

“With the Government’s £2 bus fare cap scheme now also extended until the end of June, there has never been a better time for Wiltshire residents to start exploring our beautiful county again by bus.”

To find out more, people should see www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport-public-transport-bus

More from Local News

The Barber Academy Celebrates Ten Years

The Barber Academy is marking ten years since first opening its doors on Fisherton Street, celebrating a decade of training new and experienced barbers while operating as a fully working barbershop.
The International Salisbury Pancake Race Returns for 2026

A popular Salisbury tradition will return this year with a light-hearted contest that brings together workplaces, visitors, and residents in a celebration of shared local spirit.
Bishop of Salisbury to Commission Eight Volunteer Chaplains for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, is to commission eight volunteer chaplains to offer affirming support to LGBTQIA+ Christians and those exploring faith.
Tri-County Summit Boosts Joint Effort to Tackle Rural Crime

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has welcomed a renewed commitment to tackling rural crime following a tri‑county summit that brought together senior police leaders, MPs and representatives from rural organisations.
Local Voices Reveal Gaps and Solutions in Dementia Support

Safer and Supportive Salisbury (SaSS), the local community charity dedicated to building a safer and more supportive city, has published its Dementia Research Report 2025, an in-depth study into the experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and dementia support providers across the Salisbury area.
Rock and Roll Man Interviews: Part 3 - Julian Bird & Gary Turner

Rock and Roll Man opens its UK tour at Salisbury Playhouse in February, and Salisbury Radio was invited to talk to some of the team behind the show.
The Spitfire Café Brings Family Fun to Cross Keys This February Half Term

Families looking for something fun and weather-proof to do this February half term are invited to Cross Keys Shopping Centre, Salisbury, where The Spitfire Café will be hosting a special Kids’ Club throughout the school holidays.
Local RNLI branch seeks more volunteers

The Salisbury and Wilton Fundraising branch of the RNLI is calling on local people to give a little time to suppor their fundraising efforts.