Council turn to consultants to fix buses

THE wheels are turning on plans to fix the region’s failing bus services network, according to a new report.

And Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking expert, but expensive, help from consultants to help figure out the messy situation where communities in various parts of the region have either seen bus routes withdrawn, or services reduced.

Another specialist member of staff will be hired by the council to fully investigate the issues around bus provision and the potential for a council-run transport network.

A bus network development update report is due to be presented to the council’s economy and resources committee next week.

Karen Brownlie, interim assistant director of transport and infrastructure, wrote: “In order to progress scrutiny of the existing network and potential future options for further development of the bus network as agreed, there is a need to separately procure a specialist individual to lead the work to investigate the future model of delivery of bus services in the region, as well as identifying opportunities for improvements to better serve communities across Dumfries and Galloway.

“It is proposed that an interim member of staff is procured via a recruitment agency, who will have the appropriate experience and expertise in transport planning, public transport, consultant management and ideally a knowledge of the Dumfries and Galloway local and home to school bus network.”

Up to £250,000 is set to be spent on the consultants and staff member.

Council chiefs have insisted that all efforts are being made to improve bus services where possible ahead of any wholesale changes further down the line.

The report states: “In the meantime, SWestrans and the council are working closely with bus operators in a spirit of partnership, collaborating on opportunities for efficiencies.

“This presents the opportunity to build on the relationship to deliver further improvements to the region’s bus network in future, in advance of any potential transformative changes.”