BUS users are being urged to ‘use it or lose it’ after a new service received a quiet response on its first day.

Just two people made the most of the new Service 153 from Thamesdown Transport on its first journey from Haydon Wick Asda Walmart at 7.55am yesterday.

The new service, which travels to Lydiard Park Academy and Windmill Hill, was launched after a successful trial last year, but was just as quiet on its return journey in the afternoon.

Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown Transport, said: “We expect to see a rise in passenger numbers over the coming weeks, particularly as the schools go back and more commuters from the north Swindon area see the ease and benefits of travelling by bus to Windmill Hill.

“Our trial of the route showed that there is demand for the north to west Swindon connection and so I would urge people to try it to see the potential for saving on commuting costs.

“However, it is vitally important that people use this new service in order for it to continue running, as is the case with all of our services across the town.”

As part of last year’s European Mobility Week, Thamesdown Transport ran a trial service from north to west Swindon.

“We knew that a large number of people who work at Windmill Hill travel from this area,” said Mr Jenkins. “We were sufficiently encouraged by that to now try this new service and we hope that Windmill Hill employees will find it a convenient and greener way to travel.

“Following discussions with Lydiard Park Academy, we have also designed the new service to enable students from north Swindon to travel on a direct bus to the academy for the first time.”

The service operates from Monday to Friday and starts at Haydon Wick Asda Walmart at 7.55am on each of the days.

It continues through Redhouse, Oakhurst, Taw Hill and Peatmoor to Grange Park for Lydiard Park Academy, arriving at 8.18am and Windmill Hill at 8.30am.

The return service runs from the Electron bus stop in Windmill Hill at 5.25pm arriving at Haydon Wick at 5.55pm.

On school days, there will also be a return journey from Lydiard Park Academy at 3.15pm, arriving at 3.40pm.

The single fare on the service is £2 for any journey for both adults and children.

TravelPasses, Student Travel-Passes and adult DayRiders are also accepted on the service.

DayRider tickets can be bought on the bus, however TravelPasses require a Smartcard, which can be applied for online through the Thamesdown website or at the Thamesdown Travel Shop in Fleming Way.

For more information visit www.thamesdownbus.com