A BUS company is crediting the latest Pokémon craze for a sudden spike in the number of people travelling by bus across the city.

Salisbury Reds drivers are reporting that many customers are boarding with phones at the ready - in a bid to catch some of the more rare and most sought-after Pokemon.

“We’ve never seen anything quite like this,” said Salisbury Reds communications manager Nikki Honer. “Our drivers are being approached by children and adults alike because they’ve seen creatures in the same position as our buses.

“Some are tired of walking and just want to ride with us for a few stops to see what they can find further down the road.

"This is a great way for people to get fitter - and getting the bus is probably a better bet than travelling by car because our stops are close together and are proving to be popular Pokémon collection points.

“Our buses also make the perfect search vehicles because we offer free on-board WiFi.

“We do urge caution though. People can get so involved in catching Pokémon, they forget about their surroundings. They should be fully aware of buses approaching - and of other traffic on the roads. Our drivers are good at recognising the signs, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful when boarding.”