A WILTSHIRE bus service will run more frequently – and be more reliable.

To coincide with Catch the Bus month, the Activ8 service between Andover, Tidworth and Salisbury, has been increased in frequency to every 20 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays.

Buses on the route have also been given additional time to complete their journeys, which will significantly improve the reliability of the service, bosses said.

The boost comes after Wiltshire Council has worked with bus operators Salisbury Reds and Stagecoach to deliver the improved service, funded through the UK Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for transport at the council, said: “Buses are an integral part of life in Wiltshire and not just for the young and old who cannot drive.

“Increasingly, those who can drive are choosing to travel by bus as it’s better for the environment and gives you time to relax while travelling.

“So, it’s really good that we are making these improvements to the Activ8 service, along with many other enhancements to bus services across Wiltshire.”

Andrew Sherrington, general manager for Salisbury Reds, added: “We are seeing a rise in demand for the Activ8, and we also want to make the service more reliable, so we are pleased to be making these improvements.

“The changes will be particularly useful for those changing shifts at the Home Bargains site – with journeys timed to coincide with these to-and-from Salisbury and Tidworth.

“With extra buses in use, we hope our customers will enjoy an improved, more reliable, service – whatever time they choose to travel.”

The Activ8 runs between Andover, Ludgershall, Tidworth, Bulford, Amesbury and Salisbury, seven days a week.

James O’Neill, commercial director for Stagecoach South, said: “We’re excited to make big improvements to Activ8 this September, in partnership with Wiltshire Council.

“The service is already one of the busiest in the region and we’re looking forward to helping more residents try the bus for the first time. We’ll be running a number of promotions in the months ahead to celebrate the new 20-minute timetable, with travel still great value at no more than £2 a trip.”

Meanwhile, single fares remain capped at £2, in a bid to boost the number of people using bus services.

A journey planner is available online at www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/plan-a-journey.