Bus timetables reveal service changes

MOFFAT’S 74 bus services will cease as new contractors take over services in Upper Annandale.

As Stagecoach prepares to withdraw from the region on August 1, Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans yesterday finally published updated bus timetables.

And it emerged that, due to ‘limited operating capacity’ across both commercial operators and the council’s own bus fleet, the 74 Dumfries to Moffat service will be withdrawn.

However, parts of the route will be covered by the introduction of additional X74 journeys and a revised 101 timetable.

Lockerbie-based bus firm Houston’s Mini Coaches is set to take on the 81 and 381 services from Lockerbie to Dumfries.

As previously confirmed, all home-to-school bus services will operate from the start of the new school term in August.

Cllr Stephen Thompson, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, commented: “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.”

The new timetables can be viewed on the council’s website.