AN east-to-west bus connection across Swindon will return as part of changes to bus services in town which come into effect on May 31.

Thamesdown Transport services will be changing, including service 1/1A, which currently runs between the town centre and Middleleaze, which will be extended through to Covingham and Nythe, replacing Service 2.

Covingham and Nythe will see an improved frequency with a bus every 10 minutes during the day and there will be a regular half hourly service throughout the route in the evenings.

Park North will also benefit from an increased frequency to the town centre and Penhill as service 17 will be increased to run every 10 minutes.

Service 18 will be revised to run just between Fleming Way, Park South and Coate Water via Queen’s Drive, every 30 minutes.

Cinema-lovers on services 13 and 14 from Haydon Wick will benefit from an amended route during the evening and on Sundays, which will include Regent Circus.

Minor timing changes will be made to service 12 and some journeys will run to or from Blunsdon. A revised timetable will also apply on service 24, to Blunsdon.

There will be changes to some morning and evening peak journeys on Service 15 to improve punctuality. Due to low passenger numbers the 2356 Service 15 from Middle Wichel will be withdrawn, along with all of Service 20.

Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown Transport, said: “We aim to provide a bus network that reflects changing needs.

“We have improved the frequency of buses in the evenings on a number of services, and this, combined with the EveningRider Plus fare of just £2.50 for unlimited travel after 7pm, should hopefully make it easier for people to enjoy what the town has to offer over the summer.”

See www.thamesdownbus.com - new timetable booklets will be available from May 27.