Shuttle bus service to Cotswolds Designer Outlet and town centre to expand

Pulhams is expanding its exclusive shuttle bus service to and from the Cotswolds Designer Outlet.

From Tuesday 31st March, the updated 40 service will operate every day, in addition to its current weekends and bank holidays operation.

The shuttle bus, which operates between Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station, the Designer Outlet and Tewkesbury town centre, will now also serve Persimmon Homes’ Fiddington Fields development in Ashchurch, providing useful connections for residents of the new development.

Pulhams is also introducing new electric buses to the route. A recent £8.17 million investment has seen 15 electric buses join the Pulhams fleet, while significant improvements were made to the Cheltenham depot.

Pulhams was only appointed in July last year to provide the shuttle bus service, however its popularity, combined with that of exclusive retail destination Cotswolds Designer Outlet, which opened on the edge of Tewkesbury last summer, has ensured a wider travel offering is going to become available.

Adam Keen, Interim General Manager at Pulhams, said: “We’re delighted to be enhancing our timetable for the 40 service for shoppers and regular bus users alike, while welcoming our brand-new electric buses to the route.

“This was a prestigious contract to secure initially, providing a sustainable mode of transport, and the improved service shows what is possible through excellent partnership working.

“We’re excited also to welcome potential new passengers at Fiddington Fields and thank the support from both Cotswolds Designer Outlet and Persimmon Homes as we reach new customers.”

The shuttle bus service is free from the outlet if guests spend more than £20 on the day on-site and present receipts as proof. The bus stop is on Loverose Way to the east of the outlet, through car park C.

Adrian Field, Centre Manager at Cotswolds Designer Outlet, said: “To be able to offer a service which connects the Outlet with Tewkesbury town centre, the train station and the residents of Fiddington Fields seven days a week is fantastic news for everybody.

“The service will benefit so many residents, shoppers, workers and businesses with this enhanced level of connectivity.”

Fiddington Fields is a new community offering stylish two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Claire Burton, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said: “We’re pleased to see the shuttle bus service expanding and delighted that Fiddington Fields will now be part of the route.

“Good transport links are an important part of creating well-connected communities, and this enhanced service will provide our residents with convenient, sustainable access to the Designer Outlet, the station, and Tewkesbury town centre.

“As a prominent developer providing vital new homes in the area, we’re proud to support initiatives that make a real difference to everyday life for local people.”

The shuttle bus service operates every 30 minutes throughout the day, running whenever the Designer Outlet’s shops are open as well as providing earlier journeys from Fiddington Felds, with the expanded service now starting at 6:45am from Monday to Friday, and 7:15am on Saturdays.

Regular journeys without a free travel voucher are priced at £2 for a single fare or £3 for a return. English local authority concessionary bus passes are also accepted.