Greater Glasgow

Best Bus Service Gets Even Better!

The best bus service in the country is set to get even better from next week when bus operator First in Glasgow introduces a package of service improvements and changes in the Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs areas.

First's express service X85, which operates between Kirkintilloch/Lenzie and Glasgow city centre, was named 'Best Bus Service 2008' at the Scottish Transport Awards in November, and could be on course to retain the title with the addition of new evening and Sunday services as well as the introduction of modern, low-floor, easy access vehicles from Sunday 29 March.

Designed to offer an even more attractive and enhanced service to both existing bus users as well as those who traditionally use the car, these improvements form part of a series of changes in the local area. Details of the other changes include:

The frequency on service 88 will be improved to operate every 10 minutes or better during the day Monday to Saturday, while an improved 15 minute service will operate between Bishopbriggs and Glasgow on Sundays. Alternate journeys on Monday to Saturday evenings will be numbered 88A, and will serve Mavis Valley. Sunday services numbered 88 will operate as normal from Harestanes via Kirkintilloch to Glasgow, while journeys numbered 88C will operate from Campsie Glen via Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie, Kirkintilloch and Hayston to Glasgow.

A revised timetable will be introduced on service X87, with some early morning and evening journeys starting from or extending to Twechar via the current route to Waterside. Modern, low-floor, easy access vehicles will also be introduced on this route.

A slightly revised timetable will be introduced on service X86.
Service X84 will be renumbered to operate as service 84/84A with a revised route and timetable. Service 84 will operate from Kilsyth (Northfield) to Glasgow via High Balmalloch, Kilsyth town centre, Queenzieburn, Kirkintilloch, Mavis Valley, Bishopbriggs and Springburn expressway. Service 84A will operate via the current X84 route from Twechar via Kirkintilloch, Mavis Valley, Bishopbriggs and Springburn expressway.
Service 85/85A will be withdrawn to reflect a drop in demand and will be replaced by the increase in services X85 and 88.

To ensure passengers continue to benefit from these changes, First is also introducing a terrific new through ticket for passengers travelling on the X85 and connecting to service 88.

East Dunbartonshire Councils Councillor John Dempsey joined Firsts Service Delivery Manager, Gerry Irvine, to highlight the benefits of these changes for passengers. Mr Irvine said: "The X85/X87 has proved to be a great success with an increase in passenger numbers " particularly in areas with high car ownership " as well as an improvement in customer satisfaction. I am delighted that we can now build on this success even further with the provision of evening and Sunday services as well as the introduction of low-floor buses, which will make it easier than ever for wheelchair passengers or those travelling with buggies to get around.

"At the same time, our other changes will introduce new links between Glasgow, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Kilsyth, ensuring that bus offers an easy and convenient mode of travel in this area. And with initiatives such as the new through ticket for the X85/88 connection, bus continues to offer terrific value too.

"We have already transformed travel for communities in this area, and these latest changes will ensure we continue to do just that.'

Councillor John Dempsey, who attended a meeting between First representatives and Campsie Community Council added: "While members appreciate the introduction of low-floor buses with easy access for all, we did feel disappointed at the withdrawal of service 85. However, this has been tempered by the ability of passengers to buy a new through ticket to their destination and the increase in services X85 and 88; although this will mean using two buses.

"The officials have agreed to come back to the community council in June once the new service has been in operation for this length of time and I hope the new service will benefit all users.'