New bus services on cards for Moray
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New bus services look set to be introduced in certain parts of Moray currently under-served by public transport.
Moray Council agreed yesterday to approach the Traffic Commissioner’s office to gain permission to begin running several new scheduled services.
The first will run from Cullen through Portknockie, Findochty, Portessie, Buckie, Portgordon, Enzie, Aultmore, Newmill and Keith between Monday to Friday from 5.25am to 9.15pm.
It has been designed to coincide with the trains at Keith rail station where possible.
Discussions are still taking place about whether the station should be a turnaround point, or whether the buses continue on a circular route towards Cullen.
Meanwhile, a scheduled return service connecting Aberlour, Knockando and Archiestown with Elgin will increase from being twice weekly to daily.
The changes are the first phase of the council's £4million Bus Revolution scheme, which is being funded by the Moray Growth Deal.
During discussions on Bus Revolution, councillor John Cowe (Heldon and Laich, Independent) highlighted the problems faced by many people in Burghead and Hopeman since their GP surgeries temporarily closed.
Folk currently have to go to appointments in Lossiemouth, but no bus service directly connects the communities.
Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the economic development committee, Mr Cowe said: "It’s taking three hours to get from Burghead to Elgin to Lossiemouth to see a doctor.
"It would be great for those communities if there was a bus service that goes to Lossiemouth."
Nicola Moss, the council's transport manager explained Bus Revolution was in its early stages.
She encouraged people to use the existing on-demand Dial M service which will also be boosted by Bus Revolution cash.
Operating in the Buckie, Elgin, Forres Keith and Speyside areas, Dial M allows journeys to be booked up to four weeks in advance, but no later than 3pm on the day beforehand.
Three additional on-demand buses will be available for passengers to book through an app for journeys between 6.30am and 8.30pm.
One of the three will cover the Buckie and Keith area, while the other two will cover Speyside.
In addition, employers will also be able to request transport for workers before 6.30am and after 6.30pm.
Council leader Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) said: "Anyone can access the Dial M service.
"I think there’s a perception the bus is for older people, but anybody can use it."
Six new buses – three seating 16 and another three that seat seven – have already been ordered to help cover both the extra scheduled as well the on-demand services.
Members at yesterday's meeting also agreed to rebrand Dial M to m.connect.
To book a bus journey in advance, call 0300 123 4565.
