Just turn up and go - Stagecoach launches enhanced 'popin' services on routes 6, 7 and 8

Swindon South MP Julia Drown with Pop In bus

Travelling around Swindon has become easier on Stagecoach routes 6, 7 and 8 which connect Kingsdown, Highworth and Freshbrook to Swindon town centre, thanks to the launch of Pop-In.

This major enhancement of public transport, funded entirely by Stagecoach Group plc as a commercial Kick Start scheme, aims to encourage people to leave their cars at home and boost the use of three key bus services through:

• the introduction of an improved 'turn-up-and-go' timetable offering buses up to every 10 minutes between 0730 and 1800, Monday to Saturdays
• additional early morning and evening buses
• special provision for buggies, trolleys and wheelchairs on the Pop-In branded low-floor, easy access buses

Ian Manning, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said, "following on from our success in 2003, when our Swindon operation was one of the Top 10 fastest growing bus networks in the UK, we are delighted to make this major investment which offers real benefits to bus users travelling between Kingsdown, Highworth, Freshbrook and Swindon town centre. Buses are a key part of the social fabric of the UK, and have a vital role to play in solving the country's transport problems. As a leading operator of bus services within Swindon, Stagecoach is determined to make public transport a viable alternative for residents, and our 'turn-up-and-go' popin services should help us attain that goal."

Kick Start is an innovative concept first introduced by Stagecoach in New Zealand. It's primary aim is to encourage a modal shift from private cars to public bus services, thus cutting road congestion, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing the social mobility of all sectors of society.


10 FANTASTIC FACTS ABOUT KICKSTART

1. Kick Start is an innovative concept from Stagecoach Group plc to pump prime specific bus improvement projects.
   
   
2. The primary aim of Kick Start is to encourage the public to leave their cars at home and travel by bus.
   
   
3. The concept is driven by the entrepreneurial expertise of regional bus operators, who carry the business risk and have an incentive to grow passenger volumes.
   
   
4. Stagecoach has implemented two distinct types of Kick Start project:
   • a) a three-year partnership approach with local government to operate a specific level of improved service over a three-year period. A public investment profile, based on passenger growth projections, is agreed at the outset, and the investment subsidy is reduced year on year.
     
     
   • b) a commercial approach funded entirely by Stagecoach Group plc.
   
   
5. The Kick Start concept was first introduced by Stagecoach in New Zealand where it has delivered approximately 30% passenger growth.
   
   
6. Stagecoach has also carried out a successful four-year trial of the system in Perth, Scotland, attaining a staggering 70% passenger growth on route 7.
   
   
7. English local authorities in Thanet, Teeside and Chesterfield are currently working in partnership with Stagecoach on three Government-funded Kick Start projects.
   
   
8. The Welsh Assembly Government has entered into a partnership with Stagecoach to launch a Kick Start project in Caerphilly later this month; and discussions are progressing with the Scottish Parliament for a number of similar projects in Scotland.
   
   
9. Stagecoach is also planning a number of commercially-run Kick Start schemes over the next 2-3 years.
   
   
10. The primary benefits of Kick Start are:
    • a) It is a practical, quick-win initiative that can deliver a real renaissance for Britain's buses.
      
      
    • b) It makes a real difference to the provincial UK bus network, delivering the Government's bus growth targets ahead of schedule
      
      
    • c) It cuts congestion by attracting people out of their cars and onto buses
      
      
    • d) It is environmentally-friendly, reducing car emissions
      
      
    • e) It is socially inclusive; the low-floor, easy access buses allow all sectors of society greater mobility.