A SUSTAINABLE travel project is making it easier for Wichelstowe families to get out and about in the town.

In an initiative launched by the Swindon Travel Choices project, Wichelstowe residents can sign up to receive a free Thamesdown multi-rider card, valid for six days of travel on the number 15 bus.

The scheme, funded by the Department of Transport, is designed to encourage people to pick cheaper and healthier travel options in the town.

The free transport means that those who work in the town centre but live in the borough will have an affordable route into work, Families gathered at East Wichel Community Centre to receive the first free weekly travel tickets along with customised bus timetables from Boluboo My Biz Books.

Wichelstowe resident Natasha Staniford said: “The smartcards are so useful for me as living in Wichelstowe, I have to travel on the bus to the nearest shop and also it being school holidays I can use the bus with my children and not worry about having change.”

Swindon Travel Choices travel awareness officer Claire Fleming said: “We’ve had a really positive response to the travel card scheme so far, people didn’t realise how accessible their workplaces can be thanks to buses.”

“The initiative is looking to encourage use of the number 15 service from Wichelstowe to Fleming Way and part of a wider project to highlight the benefits and alternatives to sitting in cars by using public transport, cycle paths and also walking – cheaper and healthier options.

The tickets will enable families and friends to travel on the Fleming Way route, which links through to Waitrose and the town centre.

Swindon Travel Choices, which launched in 2011, aims to regenerate the town centre by promoting different travel choices to get in and out of the borough. They will also be offering commuter cycle rides, guided walks and travel roadshows in the near future to highlight sustainable transport.

Wichelstowe is the first area within Swindon to pilot the scheme but Claire hopes it will lead the way for further sustainable travel options.

She said: “With the support of the community and the Department of Transport we hope to expand this into other areas such as the new Eastern Villages development.”

Families can sign up for the free multi-rider cards if they do not have a Thamesdown travel card.

See swindontravelchoices.co.uk.