Salisbury Reds Travel Shop to permanently close

Salisbury Reds have announced that their Travel Shop in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre is to permanently close.

The shop will permanently close from Friday 1st July.

Andrew Wickham, Salisbury Reds managing director said, “Like many businesses, particularly in the passenger transport sector, Salisbury Reds has seen a significant drop in demand for its services following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The impact of this has, until this summer, been mitigated by targeted financial support from the Government - allowing us to continue operating our services at levels close to how they were before the pandemic.

“The Covid-19 financial support that was made available to the bus industry is now being phased out and, this summer will be a much-reduced amount. The funding is expected to cease completely in September 2022.

“With our passenger numbers still below pre-Covid levels, we are taking action to minimise the effects of this on our business and services, moving forwards.

“We are already looking at new ways to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. However, this alone will not be enough to ensure we can provide frequent and more reliable services here in Wiltshire.

“In view of this, we have carried out a review and have, reluctantly, decided to close our travel shop from Friday 1st July. We have not taken this decision lightly. During the pandemic, we saw a sharp uptake in the number of people visiting our website and using our app. And, since then, the footfall in our shop has been steadily decreasing.

“Our travel shop staff have been offered alternative roles, with re-training.

“I would like to reassure people that our customer phone line is open Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm, should they require any advice about our services and timetables. We are also making lost property available for collection from our offices, by appointment.

“The past two years have been incredibly challenging for us all but we believe these important changes, combined with other measures we’re taking, will help secure Salisbury Reds bus services for the future across Wiltshire.”

When the shop closes, those looking for lost property should call Customer Services at 01202 338421 to arrange an appointment for collection. For journey planning, fare enquiries and timetables, customers are advised to download the Salisbury Reds app or use the website.

For National Express coach booking and enquiries, customers should call 0871 781 8181. For The Stonehenge Tour bookings, visitors can buy tickets on the Salisbury Reds app, from the driver or from Salisbury Information Centre, Fish Row, Salisbury SP1 1EJ.

For more information, click here.