Bristol, Bath and the West

Wiltshire Network Review

Following a recent review of First bus services in Wiltshire, which looked at the type and frequency of journeys made by customers and the reliability of services, a number of changes to the bus network are being made.

The changes, which come into effect on Sunday 10 May, mean First will no longer operate services 77 (Trowbridge - Devizes) and 266 (Trowbridge) on behalf of Wiltshire County Council.

We will also no longer operate Service 237 between Trowbridge and Melksham. First Service 234 will provide an alternative for customers travelling between the two towns, however we will no longer serve Holt, Staverton or Broughton Gifford.

We understand that Wiltshire County Council will be inviting bus operators to bid to run some replacement services.

Justin Davies, Managing Director of First in Somerset and Avon, explains: "We have looked carefully at bus network and the types of journeys people make. This information has helped us build a picture of how people are travelling in the area. Using this information we have looked at the network and have changed it so that it better reflects how it is actually used.

"In this tougher economic climate it's important that we best match the resources we have available to the needs of our customers. We have written to key stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of what is happening.

"We will closely monitor the outcome of all of these changes taking any actions deemed necessary as a result, but we firmly believe that they are necessary, helping match our current resources with existing demand."

The registrations for these services were submitted on Wednesday 11 March. All key stakeholders have been informed of the changes to local bus services.