Bus group is ‘listening’ to passengers

EIGHT bus routes in Wigtownshire are being reviewed, and residents are being invited to have their say.

Since the launch of the new network last month, Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) Buses is now the sole provider of bus services in Wigtownshire.

Now the council is keen to hear from passengers about what’s working well and where improvements could be made, with eight DGC routes in Newton Stewart and Stranraer under review.

These include:

• 359 – Newton Stewart to Girvan
• 415 – Port William to Newton Stewart
• 416 – Newton Stewart to Stranraer
• 420 – Newton Stewart town service
• 365 – Stranraer local service
• 367 – Stranraer to Portpatrick
• 407 – Drummore to Stranraer
• 408 – Stranraer to Kirkcolm

Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Cllr Stephen Thompson said: “DGC Buses has played an important role in keeping services running in the west of the region, and we’re continuing to build the network for the people who use it. This is about listening to passengers to help our services fit better with their needs.

“Making these improvements takes time, but this is the beginning of a more flexible and responsive network and I encourage people to share their views.”

SWestrans chair Cllr John Campbell added: “SWestrans works closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council to support better public transport across the region and we fully support this effort to gather local feedback.

“It’s vital that communities have a say in how services are shaped, especially in rural areas where public transport is a lifeline. This is a real opportunity to make sure the network reflects the needs of the people who rely on it most.”

Residents can complete the online feedback form on the council website before October 17.