Extra bus services secured

BUS passengers had two pieces of good news this week. Firstly, McCalls Coaches confirmed it will continue to operate an additional 246 bus between Dumfries and Thornhill on school days, after the summer holidays in August. It’s to support pupils travelling to and from Wallace Hall Academy. The additional service will run on a fully commercial basis, meaning it will be unsubsidised and not provided under contract by either the council or SWestrans. The move follows discussions between the council, SWestrans and McCalls Coaches and officials say it provides clarity for families planning ahead for the new school year. A council spokesperson said: “The 246 is a commercial service and decisions on delivery sit with the bus operator. In August 2025, the council and SWestrans stepped in temporarily to provide an additional bus to prevent disruption to pupils’ education. “The council remains responsible for providing free home-to-school transport for eligible catchment-area pupils. For pupils attending a non-catchment school through a placing request, families are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.” In addition, there was positive news for passengers using the 501 service between Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright. After further discussions with McCalls Coaches, the 501 has been secured and will continue to operate to its current timetable from August, ensuring no reduction in services.