Connect2Wiltshire

{{short description|Demand responsive transport network in southern Wiltshire}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}}

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File:YK07 BFU Connect2Wiltshire.jpg in Avebury, July 2013]]

Connect2Wiltshire is a demand responsive transport network in southern Wiltshire, England. It is funded by Wiltshire Council{{Cite web|url=https://www.marlboroughnewsonline.co.uk/features/general/5325-bus-crisis-part-one-how-two-communities-working-with-wiltshire-council-squared-one-bus-service-circle|title=Bus crisis? Part One: How two communities working with Wiltshire Council squared one bus service circle|last=Millett|first=Tony|date=5 March 2016|website=Marlborough News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027155254/https://www.marlboroughnewsonline.co.uk/features/general/5325-bus-crisis-part-one-how-two-communities-working-with-wiltshire-council-squared-one-bus-service-circle |archive-date=27 October 2019 |access-date=2019-10-27}} and operates in several areas including Calne, Kennet Valley, Mere, the Vale of Pewsey, Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and the Woodford & Wylye Valleys.{{cite web |url=http://bookaride.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=54 |title=About Connect2Wiltshire |publisher=bookaride.net |accessdate=21 November 2010 }}

The network combines the former Wigglybus and other shared taxi networks under one brand.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/travel/wigglybus_feb_03.shtml |title=BBC - Wiltshire - Travel - Wigglybus new services launched |publisher=web.archive.org |accessdate=21 November 2010 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20030423163420/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/travel/wigglybus_feb_03.shtml |archivedate = 23 April 2003}} Unlike many bus services, all passengers have to book at least one hour before travelling. It operates standard taxi services also. Unlike standard taxis, these are charged at bus rates.{{cite web|author=Sarah Moore|title=End of the Wigglybus|publisher=This is Wiltshire|url=http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/search/1154312.End_of_the_Wigglybus/|date=29 January 2007|accessdate=9 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717065905/http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/search/1154312.End_of_the_Wigglybus/|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=dead}} The name was chosen because the council required a new licence to use the name Wigglybus.{{cite web|title=Only name to go|publisher=Gazette & Herald|url=http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/search/display.var.1181010.0.only_name_to_go.php|date=8 February 2007|accessdate=9 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322000033/http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/search/display.var.1181010.0.only_name_to_go.php|archive-date=22 March 2008|url-status=dead}}

Connect2Wiltshire also oversee bus routes 101/102/103 (Devizes to Pewsey), operated since August 2017 by Salisbury Reds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewseycap.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/101-102-Leaflet-Aug2017-web-2.pdf|title=Changes to the Connect2 Wiltshire Bus services in the Pewsey & Devizes area|last=|first=|date=August 2017|website=Pewsey Community Area Partnership|publisher=Wiltshire Council|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025163226/https://www.pewseycap.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/101-102-Leaflet-Aug2017-web-2.pdf |archive-date=25 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019}} These are ordinary bus routes and do not have to be pre-booked.

In 2022, the Department for Transport awarded £1.2million to Wiltshire Council for an on-demand bus service in Pewsey Vale and Marlborough.{{Cite web |last=Paessler |first=Benjamin |date=2022-05-25 |title=New 'on-demand' bus service worth £1.2m to launch in Pewsey and Marlborough |url=https://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/20164890.wiltshire-council-launch-new-bus-service-pewsey-marlborough/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=This Is Wiltshire |language=en}} Services began in Pewsey Vale on 31 July 2023 under the Wiltshire Connect brand.{{Cite web |title=Wiltshire Connect |url=https://www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/getting-around/bus/wiltshire-connect/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=Connecting Wiltshire |publisher=Wiltshire Council |language=en-US}}