Business as usual, as vast majority of subsidised bus routes in Dumfries and Galloway will continue as normal, with routes allocated to local bus operators
Bus services across Dumfries and Galloway are set for a more stable and sustainable future, thanks to a major milestone achieved by SWestrans and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Following a rigorous procurement process, SWestrans is awarding 45 long-term contracts – lasting up to seven years – to local bus operators.
This ensures continuity and reliability for passengers who depend on subsidised bus routes across the region.
Over the past two years, SWestrans granted two 12-month contract extensions while reviewing the bus network to identify potential efficiencies.
With current contracts ending on 6 August, the new agreements offer stability for service providers and reassurance for the travelling public.
A key priority of the procurement process was to ensure that all appointed operators met minimum requirements across a range of industry-standard conditions, helping to safeguard the public interest and uphold service quality.
Most of the bus services operated under contract with SWestrans in the region will continue with the same frequency and timetable. They will be operated by Telford’s Coaches Limited, Brownriggs (Thornhill) LLP, J McCulloch & Son, McCalls Coaches Ltd and Houston’s Mini Coaches.
In addition, DGC Buses – the council’s in-house bus service provider – will operate services that did not receive any compliant bids through the tender process.
Revisions to some routes have been introduced to improve efficiency, as part of efforts to ensure the bus network remains efficient and sustainable. Passengers currently using these services will be able to access alternative services to make their journey in future.
Chair of SWestrans, Cllr John Campbell said:
“We’re proud to share that this major step forward has been taken to secure the future of local bus services across Dumfries and Galloway.
“The award of these long-term contracts to trusted local operators means greater certainty for passengers, more stability for service providers and a stronger foundation for public transport in our region.
“In the few cases where passenger numbers were extremely low, we’ve made the decision to discontinue services – but always with alternative travel options in mind.
“This is about more than just buses. It’s about keeping our towns and villages connected, supporting local businesses, and making sure everyone – no matter where they live – can get to work, school, appointments, and social activities.
“We’re grateful to our operators – Telford’s Coaches Limited, Brownriggs (Thornhill) LLP, J McCulloch & Son, McCalls Coaches Ltd and Houston’s Mini Coaches, and DGC Buses – for their continued partnership and commitment to serving our communities.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council has statutory responsibility for home-to-school transport, with current contracts due to expire at the end of this academic year.
The council has approved recommendations to award contracts through the tendering process, which is in the final stages. Details will be confirmed at the end of that process, in early July. The council is committed to ensuring all school transport routes are operational for the start of the school year in August.
Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Cllr Stephen Thompson, said:
“Public transport is a lifeline for many of our communities. By going through a rigorous procurement process we’ve been able to award long-term contracts that will ensure services can continue and with greater efficiency and reliability, providing communities in Dumfries and Galloway with a well-connected local bus network. We are pleased to offer continuity for communities and operators alike.
“The procurement process has also resulted in stronger contract arrangements with the operators who provide the backbone of the local bus network in the region. The new contracts will see operators invest in their fleet of vehicles, to offer the highest standard possible of service to passengers.
“The introduction later in the year of new electric buses funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund will further contribute to the council’s net zero ambitions by providing emissions-free vehicles on some SWestrans operated routes.
“Our council and SWestrans will continue to work with all parties to support local people affected by the changes to bus-network operators.”
Work is underway to promote the updated passenger information across the region in preparation for the launch of the new network in early August.
Updated timetable information will be available on the Dumfries and Galloway Council webpage Get bus and ferry timetables | Dumfries and Galloway Council from mid July or by contacting Traveline Scotland on 0141 465 1878.
Separately to the subsidised network, a number of bus services in the region are operated on a commercial basis. Although SWestrans is responsible for the delivery of the local subsidised bus network, neither it nor Dumfries and Galloway Council is responsible for the operation or allocation of commercial routes.
Commercial operators are now considering the opportunities to take these 12 services forward. The routes concerned are as follows:
- 236 Dumfries to Thornhill (Sunday only).
- 246 Dumfries to Cumnock.
- 501 Dumfries to Castle Douglas (some services only).
- 74 Dumfries to Moffat.
- 81 Dumfries to Lockerbie (some services only).
- D1 Locharbriggs to Dumfries Town Centre.
- D10 Dumfries Burns Statue – Dumfries Great King St.
- D10B Lochside to Dumfries via Lincluden/Newbridge (evening and Sunday services only).
- D12 Lincluden to Dumfries Town Centre.
- D2 Heathhall to Dumfries Town Centre.
- D3 Georgetown to Dumfries Town Centre.
- D4 Lochvale to Dumfries Town Centre.
