Final stop for more bus routes across Dumfries and Galloway as new timetable is published ahead of contract changes
The timetable can be found online.
Dumfries and Galloway passengers are being urged to check out the newly published bus timetables before the contract changes start next month, as a couple of further services have been cut.
A full list of services can be found on the council’s website, while the 1,000 bus stops across the region get the updated timings and paper copies are made available in libraries.
However, the local authority and SWestrans are still trying to search for operators for certain routes, such as the 501 Dumfries to Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas services, but there has been confirmation that discussions are ongoing.
A timetable for the D10/D12 and 246 will be finalised on the list of new timings, along with the 501, provided an operator is found.
Due to ‘very low’ passenger levels, the 512 Castle Douglas town and the 410/411/412 Stranraer to Glenluce, Knock and Ervie service will be pulled from 7 August.
All home-to-school buses will run from the start of the new school term.
Chair of SWestrans, Councillor John Campbell, says, “The two services that are not currently continuing, there will be a little bit of impact, but we are working with community transport and others to have a community service.
“Not all services have been covered by operators, so there is still a little work that needs to be addressed.
“There were two services that we had to drop due to low numbers, which has kind of freed up some resources that we could use to sustain the remaining services.
“Because of the uncertainty of the last few months of the bus network, I’m hoping that the new bus timetable will give people that reassurance and restore some faith in what we have been trying to achieve over the last few months.”
Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Stephen Thompson, says, “Reliable, sustainable and efficient public transport is essential for our communities, connecting people for work, education, healthcare and much more.
“The launch of the new subsidised bus network reflects the shared values of the council and SWestrans and underscores our commitment to supporting the best possible services for all residents.
“The procurement of the subsidised and home-to-school bus networks represents a great deal of work that has resulted in stronger contract arrangements with the operators who provide the backbone of the local bus network in the region.
“These arrangements have been achieved within the agreed budget, ensuring value for money and sustainability in the local networks.”