Dumfries and Galloway Council is pleased to confirm that all school transport services will operate from the beginning of the next academic year, ensuring every eligible child has access to safe and reliable transport to and from school.
The tendering process for home-to-school routes is now complete. Contracts have been awarded and services will begin on the first day of the new school year in August, replacing contracts due to expire at the close of the current academic year.
Local operators A2BeeTravel Ltd, Andersons of Langholm, Brownriggs (Thornhill) Ltd, Houstons Minicoaches, Irene Benson Minibus Hire and Contract Hire, McCalls Coaches and Telfords Coaches, have been awarded long-term contracts of up to seven years, guaranteeing continuity of service. Where no compliant bids were received through the tender process, DGC Buses – the council’s in-house bus service provider – will step in to keep every route running smoothly.
This announcement follows the recent confirmation, from SWestrans and Dumfries and Galloway Council working in partnership, that the wider subsidised local bus network across the region has been secured through the award of 45 long-term contracts. Together, these measures provide the foundations of a more stable and sustainable public transport system that keeps communities connected across Dumfries and Galloway.
Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Cllr Stephen Thompson, said:
“I’m pleased to say that the new school transport contracts have now been confirmed, especially with the end of term approaching. Making sure all eligible pupils can get to school safely and reliably is our statutory responsibility as a council, and this will provide peace of mind to families for next term and allow young people to focus on their education from day one of the new school year.
“Our officers have prioritised the importance of operators delivering the appropriate standards of reliability, safety, and passenger comfort throughout the tender process, and as with the local subsidised bus network, offering long-term contracts to operators provides some stability and is good news for both passengers and operators alike.”
