NEW buses worth £1.3m will be on the streets of Swindon later this year.

Stagecoach in the town has announced the launch of eight new double-decker buses and three new single-decker vehicles.

The investment is part of a Government scheme to boost services between Swindon and Chippenham.

As previously reported in the Adver, ministers approved a £319,000 grant last year to enhance the number 55 service between the two towns.

It is part of a £20m package shared out among 43 schemes across the country to improve services for passengers and up bus use.

The scheme is a partnership between the Department of Transport, Wiltshire County Council and Stagecoach West.

The cash is being used to expand and publicise the route, which also goes through Wootton Bassett.

The money was awarded under the Kickstart Bus Challenge competition, which gave local authorities in partnership with operators, the opportunity to bid for funding.

The new, low-floor buses, each boasting a dedicated space onboard for a wheelchair or buggy, have been bought by Stagecoach in preparation for the Swindon Kickstart initiative launching this autumn.

Under the scheme, the number 55 service will run every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and every 30 minutes on Sunday.

As part of the improvements, Wootton Bassett customers will benefit from an enhanced Service 54 route to the surrounding estates.

This will mean a new 10-minute Monday to Saturday daytime service to Swindon in conjunction with Service 55.

Ian Manning, managing director of Stagecoach in Swindon, said: "This is a real step forward for bus travel in Swindon. Year after year, we have persuaded more and more local people to travel by bus, and our latest investment in new vehicles will further increase the attractiveness of the bus compared to the car."

Before the autumn's Kickstart launch, all 11 new vehicles will be deployed on routes throughout the town. One of the new double-deckers will also be making its debut appearance on the road this week when it transports children to and from Swindon Town's soccer schools.