Use of Stagecoach West buses is on the rise in Cheltenham

There has been an increase in the number of people using the buses in Cheltenham following the completion of the town’s Transport Plan. The Plan, rolled out in phases during the past 2 years, has seen the introduction of new bus lanes and most recently the trial closure of ‘Boots Corner’ to general traffic.

During September the number of people using Stagecoach West buses in the town has increased by 2% with non-concessionary passenger journeys up by more than 3%. This translates into about 4,000 extra bus trips being made every week. And that means fewer cars using the road network which can only help to ease traffic congestion.

Other research has already shown than more people come into Cheltenham town centre using the bus services than any other mode of transport and so these latest bus growth figures strengthen the importance of providing great facilities for people travelling by bus.

Stagecoach West Managing Director Rupert Cox said, “Buses are key to delivering the Cheltenham Transport Plan – effective bus networks can boost the local economy, improve traffic flow, reduce air pollution and help improve air quality.

“We are playing our part by investing in improvements for customers including in digital technology, new routes and new vehicles. It is fantastic to see more people using local buses and this will give us the confidence to make further improvements to the bus services we provide in the town.”

Stagecoach West runs frequent Park&Ride bus services into the town centre from Arle Court and Cheltenham racecourse and provides a stress-free travel experience for customers who want to avoid driving through the traffic to the busy town centre car parks.

Shoppers can park their cars for free at the two Park&Ride centres and get return bus tickets for two people for one day for just £4.80p. Easily accessible from the M5 and A40, Park&Ride provides a direct bus services up to every 10 minutes bringing shoppers right into the heart of Cheltenham.

Stagecoach West took over Arle Court Park&Ride earlier this year and invested £1 million in four new luxurious Stagecoach Gold buses to run on the route, providing a touch of luxury, including Italian-designed leather seats, free wi-fi and USB charging facilities.