Carousel Buses introduce new initiatives to mark Catch The Bus Month

A series of initiatives to mark Catch The Bus Month will be implemented by Carousel Buses to promote sustainable travel, improve access to public transport and reward passengers. 

The Wycombe-based bus operator will deliver free travel for students on selected services, commenced several major service improvements on its network, and has enhanced its rewards scheme via the BetterPoints app.

Through next week, Monday 8th September to Friday 12th September, students aged 5-16 can travel for free on selected services in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) area simply by wearing their school uniform. 

The offer is being funded by the RBWM to support families at the start of the school year, reduce congestion and encourage young people to choose the bus for everyday journeys. Eligible routes include services connecting Windsor, Maidenhead, Cookham, Eton Wick and surrounding communities. 

September also marked the start of Carousel’s record frequency of services along the A40 London Road corridor between High Wycombe and Beaconsfield.

Buses now serve both towns up to every 10 minutes during the daytime between Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes on Sundays and bank holidays. Services 105 to Chesham and Chartridge, 101/104 to Uxbridge via The Chalfonts and 103 between Slough and Windsor are also operating at increased frequency. 

The improvements have been made possible thanks to Buckinghamshire Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. 

Daily prize draws, referral rewards and Mobility Week incentives also form part of Carousel’s Catch The Bus Month celebrations, with prizes including a £900 European city break by travelling on the bus. 

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Carousel Buses, said: “Every bus trip taken contributes towards building a more sustainable future.

“It also sends a powerful message to decision-makers about the importance of an accessible and reliable public transport network. Bus travel provides vital accessibility, enabling people to get out and about for work and leisure in a safe, sustainable and cost-effective way. 

“Catch The Bus Month is a great initiative and one we’re proud to support through our new initiatives to get more people onboard our services this September and ongoing.”

Launched in 2022, Catch The Bus Month is a national campaign which highlights the benefits of bus travel to passengers while underlining the positive environmental, economic and societal benefits. 

Carousel passengers can earn rewards this month by downloading the free BetterPoints app, registering an account and tracking their journeys. Further information is available via www.carouselbuses.co.uk/better-points.