After listening to those with a lived experience with a learning disability, we have successfully changed the C+ policy to make it clear that holders can use them without a companion. This is so that those who are able to travel independently where possible are not restricted from doing so.

A letter was sent to all C+ pass holders on 8th July and any new passes sent out will have clear instructions that they can be used without a companion when needed.

Some Swindon's Bus Company services are changing their stop locations in the evenings from 28th July, the full news article is here:

Swindon evening service changes from 28th July

On Tuesday 21st May, Swindon Borough Council and the Learning Disability Partnership were joined by Swindon's Bus Company and Stagecoach West, as part of its ongoing work to ensure the best possible accessibility for all potential users of public transport across the Borough.

Recognising public transport as an enabler, representatives from both operators were also on-hand to receive feedback about its services from those attending the event - which was organised by Swindon Borough Council, along with Experts by Experience on the Learning Disability Partnership. Swindon Borough Council sees the two-way conversation as essential to making transport better.

We received fantastic feedback from all of those that attended, and the outcomes will be working in partnership on a best practice guide, and organising future events.

Under the Government Bus Back Better Initiative and the creation of a National Bus Strategy in 2021, Swindon Borough Council had a duty to put in place a Bus Service Improvement Plan by October 2021. Following the publication of the Bus Service Improvement Plan, an Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme was formed and agreed with local bus operators in line with Dept. for Transport requirements. The Bus operators and Swindon Borough Council became an Enhanced Partnership from September 2023 to plan short, medium and long term improvements to passengers' journey experiences in and around the Borough. Although the original bid for funding for the Bus Service Improvement Plan was unsuccessful, funding of £415k has been awarded for two years as part of Bus Service Improvement Plan Phase 2 (BSIP2).

The Enhanced Partnership consists of SBC’s Public Transport Strategy Team, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon’s Bus Company, Stagecoach West and small operators including West Berkshire Council Transport Services, Coachstyle and Pulham & Sons.

The DfT visitors welcomed the way everyone was working together and our aspirations for future bus network planning. This included innovative news of the Community Forum developed within the Partnership called the Get Swindon Moving Community Group which is really unique in its whole journey approach. Most changes cannot happen overnight and by working with resident groups, we can make the decisions supporting longer term community plans, and enabling more groups of people to reach the places they need to sustainably and independently.

If you or your existing community group/workplace would like to join the Get Swindon Moving Community Group, please contact us at getswindonmoving@swindon.gov.uk to find out more.