A NEW bus route connecting east and west Swindon will hit the road from the end of next month.

Thamesdown Transport has announced the new route as part of the latest round of service amendments.

The east-to-west bus connection across Swindon will return from Sunday, May 31.

"Service 1/1A, which currently serves the town centre and Middleleaze, will be extended through to Covingham and Nythe, replacing Service 2," said a Thamesdown spokesman.

"There will be an improved frequency for Covingham and Nythe, with a service every 10 minutes during the day and a regular half hour service in the evenings."

Park North will also benefit from an increased frequency to the town centre and Penhill as Service 17 will be increased to run every 10 minutes.

Service 18 will be revised to run just between Fleming Way, Park South and Coate Water, every 30 minutes.

Cinema-lovers on Services 13 and 14 from Haydon Wick will also benefit from an amended route during evenings and on Sundays which will include Regent Circus.

Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown Transport, said: “We aim to provide a bus network that reflects changing needs. 

“We have improved the frequency of buses in the evenings on a number of services, and this, combined with the EveningRider Plus fare of just £2.50 for unlimited travel after 7pm, should hopefully make it easier for people to enjoy what the town has to offer as the evenings are getting lighter.”

Minor timing changes will also be made to Service 12 and to some morning and evening peak journeys on Service 15.

Service 20 is to be withdrawn due to low passenger numbers and a revised timetable will apply on Service 24 to Blunsdon.

For more information on Thamesdown services, visit www.thamesdownbus.com.