The new UBus

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Community Links transport service has now become U-Bus - a unique community transport scheme designed for residents living within the Stratford-on-Avon District.

The U-Bus officially launches this Friday 11 July - look out for the orange vehicles in your area!

This new image for the vehicles was created by two students, Iona Tiffin and Amy Woon, design students at Warwickshire College, studying a Level Three Extended Diploma in Visual communication.

Thirteen students in total produced a portfolio of designs, to meet a brief specified by the District Council. A panel of judges was so impressed by the design and logo created by Iona and Amy that they requested their ideas be merged into the final 'UBUS' brand. The students were all awarded a prize by Councillor Maurice Howse, in recognition of their excellent work.

The service is designed to improve transport opportunities for people of all ages living in rural or isolated communities or for those who cannot access public transport due to limited mobility or disability.

The new UBUS service operates from 9.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday in different parts of the District. It is FREE to register with UBUS no matter what your age and status.

You can book a UBUS journey by calling the booking team on 01789 264491 between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday - have your Membership Number and journey details ready when you call.

You can book a journey up to 7 days in advance or a minimum of a day before travel and all bookings are subject to vehicle availability.


Where & when can I travel?

• West of Stratford - Alcester, Bidford, Henley, Studley & Surrounding area (travel within the area or to/from Stratford) - operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays.
  
  
• East of Stratford – Harbury, Kineton, Southam, Wellesbourne & Surrounding area (travel within the area or to/from Stratford) – operates on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays.
  
  
• South of Stratford – Long Compton, Lower Quinton, Shipston, Tysoe & Surrounding area (travel within the area or to/from Stratford)  – operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
  
  
• Stratford Town including Alveston, Luddington, Old Stratford & Tiddington (travel within the area) - operates on Mondays to Fridays.
  
  
• Southam & Surrounding area** (travel to/from Southam inc. bus connections to Banbury, Daventry, Leamington & Rugby) – operates on Mondays to Friday.s

**This service, which replaces the former Southam Links, is also available to residents living in Birdingbury, Broadwell, Hill, Leamington Hastings and Marton.

The cost of the service varies:

• Travel within Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust area - £2 Single; £4 Return
• Travel to/from Southam and the surrounding area (former Southam Links service) - £2 Single; £4 Return. Customers making a return journey by bus onwards from Southam travel free on the return U-bus journey on production of a valid bus ticket.
• All other journeys - £2.50 Single; £5 Return.

Cllr Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing and Revenues Portfolio says: “The District Council has been working behind the scenes, with partners over the last twelve months and is delighted to be able to continue to help local people with their transport needs across the District. There are some changes; most notably the new modern design and updated vehicles and also a number of improvements for passengers. Hopefully existing passengers and those trying the service for the first time will soon be regular and satisfied UBUS users."

UBUS vehicles are fitted with low-floor steps and tail-lifts to ensure that they are as easy as possible for everyone to use, including wheelchair users. The drivers are able to offer reasonable assistance to and from your home to the vehicle.

If you would like to know more about this service please phone 01789 264491.