Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has approved the next steps for investment to upgrade bus shelters and associated infrastructure across the county.
The decision to award the contract has been delegated to the Director of Highways and Transport at the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 9 December. It means the council will move ahead with a comprehensive programme to design, supply, install, and maintain modern bus shelters and bus stop infrastructure. It will be funded through the Government’s Local Authority Bus Grant.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: Buses are a lifeline for many people in Wiltshire. By committing to this investment, we are delivering on our promise to provide high-quality, accessible bus shelters that meet the needs of local people and encourage greater use of public transport.
High-quality, well-designed shelters will offer better protection from the elements, improved seating, and clear travel information, making the experience of waiting for a bus safer and more pleasant.
Encouraging more people to choose public transport is vital for reducing congestion, cutting carbon emissions, and connecting communities – and investing in infrastructure is a key part of that strategy.
The approved contract will run for five years, from February 2026 to February 2031, with an option to extend for up to five additional years. The estimated £6-8m cost during the contract term will be covered by current and future Government grant allocations. The investment aligns with Wiltshire Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, which sets out a clear vision for enhancing public transport across the county.
The council currently has approximately 800 bus shelters around the county, and this project will both improve the existing shelters and also add additional shelters and related infrastructure, such as timetable cases and new flags and poles.
Work will begin during spring 2026, and residents can expect to see significant improvements to bus stops over the coming years. The council will share further details on the rollout schedule and how communities will benefit as plans progress.
(Picture: Wiltshire County Council)
