Regional bus crisis solution found
45 long-term contracts have been awarded by the council and SWestrans.
A range of local bus firms will be taking over from transport giant Stagecoach, running subsidised services across Dumfries and Galloway.
The council and SWestrans tell us they've awarded 45 long-term contracts, lasting for seven years, and the council's own bus provider will take on the routes for which there were no bidders.
Passengers are still waiting to hear about twelve commercial routes running to Dumfries, which have no subsidy.
Stagecoach confirmed last week it was pulling virtually all its services from the start of August because of a dispute about the terms of a new deal.
To safeguard the public interest and uphold service quality, a key priority of the procurement process was to make sure that all appointed operators met minimum standards across a variety of industry-standard conditions.
Some routes have been revised to improve efficiency, “as part of efforts to ensure the bus network remains efficient and sustainable”.
Passengers still using these services will have access to alternative services to travel in future.
Chair of SWestrans, Councillor John Campbell, says, “We’re proud to share that this major step forward has been taken to secure the future of local bus services across Dumfries and Galloway.
“The award of these long-term contracts to trusted local operators means greater certainty for passengers, more stability for service providers and a stronger foundation for public transport in our region.
“In the few cases where passenger numbers were extremely low, we’ve made the decision to discontinue services – but always with alternative travel options in mind.
“This is about more than just buses. It’s about keeping our towns and villages connected, supporting local businesses, and making sure everyone – no matter where they live – can get to work, school, appointments, and social activities.
“We’re grateful to our operators – Telford’s Coaches Limited, Brownriggs (Thornhill) LLP, J McCulloch & Son, McCalls Coaches Ltd and Houston’s Mini Coaches, and DGC Buses – for their continued partnership and commitment to serving our communities.”
Contracts for the council’s statutory responsibility for home-to-school transport are due to expire at the end of this academic year.
Recommendations to award contracts through the tendering process, which is in its final stages, has been approved by the local authority.
Details will be made public at the end of the process, which we’ve been told is early July.
The council has confirmed its commitment to ensuring all school routes are operational for the new school year after summer.
Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Stephen Thompson, says, “Public transport is a lifeline for many of our communities. By going through a rigorous procurement process we’ve been able to award long-term contracts that will ensure services can continue and with greater efficiency and reliability, providing communities in Dumfries and Galloway with a well-connected local bus network. We are pleased to offer continuity for communities and operators alike.
“The procurement process has also resulted in stronger contract arrangements with the operators who provide the backbone of the local bus network in the region. The new contracts will see operators invest in their fleet of vehicles, to offer the highest standard possible of service to passengers.
“The introduction later in the year of new electric buses funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund will further contribute to the council’s net zero ambitions by providing emissions-free vehicles on some SWestrans operated routes.
“Our council and SWestrans will continue to work with all parties to support local people affected by the changes to bus-network operators.”
There is ongoing work to promote the updated passenger information across the region in preparation for the launch of the new network at the start of August.
From mid-July, this will be available to view on the council’s website.
Commercial operators are now considering the opportunities to take these 12 services forward. The routes concerned are as follows:
• 236 Dumfries to Thornhill (Sunday only).
• 246 Dumfries to Cumnock.
• 501 Dumfries to Castle Douglas (some services only).
• 74 Dumfries to Moffat.
• 81 Dumfries to Lockerbie (some services only).
• D1 Locharbriggs to Dumfries Town Centre.
• D10 Dumfries Burns Statue – Dumfries Great King St.
• D10B Lochside to Dumfries via Lincluden/Newbridge (evening and Sunday services only).
• D12 Lincluden to Dumfries Town Centre.
• D2 Heathhall to Dumfries Town Centre.
• D3 Georgetown to Dumfries Town Centre.
• D4 Lochvale to Dumfries Town Centre.