Wiltshire Council is celebrating the installation of the first of its new and upgraded bus stops in Calne, marking the beginning of a major programme to improve public transport infrastructure across the county.

The bus stops have been installed at New Road and Curzon Street and are the first of many bus shelters that will be replaced or improved in Wiltshire over the coming years.

The new shelters have been selected for their durability and long lifespan. They feature a corrosion-resistant finish that is easy to clean and helps resist graffiti, alongside solar-powered lighting for improved efficiency and reliability.

Accessibility has also been carefully considered, with high-contrast handles and rails to support visually impaired passengers, while the modular design allows each shelter to be tailored to its location.

The council has worked with town and parish councils to ensure designs are appropriate to the local character.

The new bus stops are part of a £2m programme, funded by the Department for Transport, which will see upgraded infrastructure across Wiltshire.

The programme includes upgrades to shelters, poles, flags and timetable information, plus a comprehensive cleaning programme.

Wiltshire has more than 4,900 bus stops and around 800 shelters, owned and maintained by a range of organisations including the council, bus operators, and town and parish councils.

The rollout of new bus stops is being phased across all 18 community areas, with Calne among the first locations to see improvements on the ground.

The council is initially prioritising locations where upgrades will bring the greatest benefit, including improving safety and replacing infrastructure that is no longer fit for purpose.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We’re really pleased to see the first of our new bus stops now in place in Calne. This marks an important milestone in our wider programme to improve bus infrastructure across Wiltshire.

“Good-quality, well-maintained bus stops play a key role in making public transport more accessible and attractive, helping to connect communities and support more sustainable travel choices.

“This investment directly supports our priorities in the Our Wiltshire Plan by helping to create stronger, more connected communities and making it easier for people to travel more easily.

“By improving the quality, accessibility and reliability of our bus infrastructure, we’re also helping to reduce our environmental impact.”

The council is working with its contractor, Bus Shelters Ltd, to deliver the upgrades over the coming years, with a focus on improving passenger experience through better infrastructure and clearer information.

To find out more about the programme, people should go to: Bus infrastructure projects – Wiltshire Council