Bank holiday travel plans are facing a familiar hurdle in Swindon, with rail disruption set to affect key routes from Saturday 2 May — including services towards Bath.
For many residents, it’s hardly a surprise. The town has long struggled with reliability on the rail network, and replacement buses between Bath Spa and Chippenham or Westbury are unlikely to inspire much confidence for those planning a day out.
Into that gap steps Veezu, which has launched a campaign aimed at keeping people moving — without the timetable headaches.
The firm, which brought together local operators including V Cars and Call Cars, has produced a guide to affordable days out in and around Swindon, all designed to come in under £50.
The suggestions are close to home and deliberately straightforward: a walk and picnic at Coate Water Country Park, a wander through Lydiard Park, or a visit to the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. The idea is less about grand excursions and more about making the most of what’s already on the doorstep.
To give it a push, the company is offering ten Swindon residents free return journeys to destinations featured in the guide. The hope is that, with transport taken care of, more people will still venture out despite the disruption.
It’s a practical response to a recurring problem. While rail upgrades and engineering works are part and parcel of the network, they tend to land squarely on weekends and holidays — precisely when people have the time to travel.
Veezu says the campaign builds on its local presence, having introduced upfront pricing in Swindon in recent years — a move aimed at giving passengers clarity before they book.
Whether it’s enough to offset another disrupted weekend on the rails remains to be seen. But for those weighing up whether to stay in or head out, a free lift and a list of low-cost options might just tip the balance.
