BUS passengers in Swindon could soon all have access to the internet as they travel through the town.

A trial is being carried out which would see those on buses have free access to wi-fi wherever they are.

Swindon Travel Choices, funded by the council, and Thamesdown Transport have been working together to trial the scheme on a number of buses on the number 15 route, which runs from East Wichel and through to Haydon Wick.

The trial started at the beginning of May and once sufficient feedback has been received a decision will be made on whether to spread it across the network.

A Swindon Council spokesman said: “We are currently evaluating data from the wi-fi trial on the number 15 bus with a view to rolling it out on to other Thamesdown Transport bus services.”

The services on the trial will have no sign-up process or password so passengers will be able to get online straight away. All that is needed is for users to click a box accepting the terms and conditions.

Anyone choosing to use the wi-fi is able to surf the internet, check their email and even download small amounts.

The idea of having free access to the internet has been widely welcomed by bus users travelling around the town.

“I think it’s a perfect idea, especially if it’s a free service,” said Kieran Richmond, 18, of Moredon.

“I use the buses almost every day so would definitely use it. “These days everyone uses wi-fi so it makes sense to have it on the buses.

Alan Page, 68, of Penhill, said: “Everyone is able to use the internet on the trains so they should be able to use them on the buses.

“It’s a good idea because, although I don’t use it myself, a lot of people do and it will be very useful for people if they are stuck in traffic and need to get in contact with their work.

“These days everyone needs to be flexible and this will help.”

Sam Blackman, 16, of Haydon Wick, believes the wi-fi would help the buses enter the 21st century.

He said: “It is a good way of modernising the buses. I think if it gets up and running it will be very useful.

“It is a good way for the council to spend money.”