Background
Q1: Why has the bus network changed?
A: The changes follow a region-wide retendering process led by Dumfries and Galloway Council and regional transport partnership SWestrans.
As existing contracts with operators running subsidised routes in the region were due to expire on 6 August, it was necessary to run a procurement exercise to ensure that services would continue to run from 7 August.
In addition to the planned procurement exercise, the unexpected withdrawal of Stagecoach West Scotland from virtually all the routes they operated in the region posed significant challenges, meaning that many routes had to be urgently reassigned to other operators or taken on by the council’s own bus service provider (more details in Q3 below).
Q2: What is the role of Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans in the new bus network?
A: As well as overseeing regional transport strategy, SWestrans is responsible for the procurement and delivery of the subsidised bus network in the region, which represents the bulk of bus routes.
Like all councils in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council is responsible for home-to-school transport.
There are additional routes in the region that are run by operators on a commercial basis, for which Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans are not responsible for setting timetables.
Further details:
Bus Network Roles Dumfries and Galloway Council SWestrans Traffic Commissioner (PDF, 53.02KB)
Q3: What is DGC Buses and why is the council now operating more routes directly?
A: DGC Buses is the council’s own bus service provider, which steps in to run services as the ‘operator of last resort’ when other operators are unable to do so, or an affordable price cannot be secured – to safeguard vital transport links.
Q4: How were the new operators selected?
A: Operators were chosen through a competitive procurement process. 45 long-term contracts were awarded to trusted local companies, helping to build a more sustainable and reliable network.
Q5: Why can’t DGC Buses take on more routes?
A: The number of routes that DGC Buses now runs has increased by 40% since the introduction of the bus network on 7 August. This means DGC Buses is now at capacity in terms of available vehicles and staff. We continually review DGC Buses’ operations to ensure maximum efficiency and to maintain the sustainability of the bus network in Dumfries and Galloway.
Timetables
Q6: How can I find the new bus timetables?
A: Timetables are available online at the council’s website.
Q7: Will printed timetables be available at bus stops?
A: With over 1000 bus stops and shelters across the region, updating printed timetables quickly is a challenge.
Although local bus operators have confirmed their timetables, which are available on the council’s website, operators are still making adjustments based on customer feedback. To ensure accuracy and minimise confusion, printed timetables and displays at bus stops will only be installed once all changes are finalised.
We appreciate your patience as we work to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information possible.
In the meantime, please continue to check the council’s website for the latest bus information.
Q8: What if I don’t have internet access to check timetables?
A: For help, call the council on 030 33 33 3000. Timetables are also available at libraries and Customer Service Centres. Once bus timetables have been finalised, Traveline Scotland (0141 465 1878) will be updated with the latest information. We will also update this Q and A when that happens.
Service Changes
Q9: Why have some bus routes been withdrawn?
A: Although we have worked hard to retain most services, a small number of routes with consistently low passenger numbers were discontinued to ensure the network remains affordable and sustainable. We understand that this may be disappointing for those who used these services, and we’re continuing to monitor feedback and explore options where possible.
The council also operates the Taxicard scheme, which provides funding towards the cost of alternative transport, such as taxis.
To be eligible, you must live in Dumfries and Galloway and either be registered blind, be over 60 with severe mobility restrictions or receive specific qualifying benefits. Find out more and how to apply: Taxicard info.
Q10: Why are there fewer buses on some routes, and what can be done to improve this?
A: Some services were reduced following a review of the subsidised bus network that identified low passenger numbers. Reductions were necessary due to funding constraints and the need to deliver an affordable service.
Several routes previously run by Stagecoach West Scotland on a commercial basis have been taken over by new operators. These operate without financial support from the council or SWestrans. These operators have introduced services based on the resources they currently have available.
The council and SWestrans are monitoring demand for additional services and will explore options with local bus operators to alter timings or increase frequency where possible.
Q11: I can’t get to work in the town centre by 9am or return home at 5pm. What support is available?
A: We understand this concern and are working with operators to review peak-time services. Feedback from residents will help shape future adjustments to better support commuting needs.
Q12: Why have evening and Sunday services been cut?
A: Evening and Sunday services were reduced in some areas due to very low passenger numbers. Rising costs and budget pressures meant difficult decisions were needed to keep the subsidised network affordable.
Q13: Why has the 512 Castle Douglas town service been withdrawn? How can I get to the health centre now?
A: Unfortunately, the 512 Castle Douglas town service had relatively low passenger numbers, with many of the stops in the town also served by other routes: the 500, 501, 502, 516 and 520.
The council also operates the Taxicard scheme which provides funding towards the cost of alternative transport such as taxis. To be eligible, you must live in Dumfries and Galloway and either be registered blind, over 60 with severe mobility restrictions or receive specific qualifying benefits. Find out more and how to apply: Taxicard info.
Q14: Why has the 74 service between Dumfries and Glasgow via Moffat been withdrawn?
A: The 74 service between Dumfries and Moffat was previously operated by Stagecoach West Scotland, who have now withdrawn from the region. No other operators have come forward to take on the route commercially. To help meet demand for morning journeys to Barony College, adjustments have been made to the 101 service. Stagecoach West Scotland has also added morning and evening journeys to its X74 service, but operators currently have no capacity to expand this further.
Q15: Why don’t the new timetables allow for easy connections between different bus services?
A: We understand that many passengers rely on connecting services to complete their journeys and that changes to the timetables may mean that some connections don’t work as well as before.
We will continue regular dialogue with bus operators to raise awareness of any issues in an effort to improve timetable coordination and restore key links where possible. Please share feedback on specific examples by completing the feedback form.
Q16: I’m not happy with the changes?
A: We know that recent changes to the region’s bus network have caused disruption and concern for many residents. Although most routes have been retained, we understand that the new network has not met everyone’s needs.
This is not the end point and we recognise that there is still work to be done. The council and SWestrans would like to thank residents for their patience while we work to improve the network by listening to residents and working with operators to deliver a public transport system that works for everyone.
Q17: OK, so what are you going to do about it?
A: The council is committed to finding solutions:
In the short term
- The council and SWestrans will continue working with local operators and will aim to improve services by adjusting timetables, improving connections and responding to feedback where possible.
- However, changes will be limited to those that are possible within the current budget available and the capacity of operators.
- We will let you know when timetable or other changes are made by updating these questions and answers.
In the future
- The council and SWestrans have agreed to carry out further assessments in areas affected by reduced services following changes to previous Stagecoach commercial routes. They’ll look at whether additional bus services can be introduced to help fill these gaps.
- The potential for expansion of the council-run bus service will also be explored.
School Buses
Q18: My child uses home-to-school transport. Is that changing, too?
A: All dedicated home-to-school transport services (which the council has a statutory responsibility to provide), including dedicated home-to-school buses, will continue as before for eligible pupils.
Q19: How can my child get a school bus?
A: Home-to-school transport is for pupils who live more than three miles from their school (or two miles if under 8 years old), and its provision is a statutory responsibility of all councils in Scotland. Find out more Free school transport.
Q20: My child uses a public/service bus to get to school. What should I do?
A: As there have been changes to timetables on some subsidised and commercial public bus services, parents should check the new timetables on the council’s website when planning journeys.
Q21: The new timetables mean my child will either be early or late for school – what can you do about that?
A: The council and SWestrans have been working closely with local bus operators to encourage them to put on more public buses at peak school drop-off and pick-up times.
Where new timetables cause buses to arrive earlier or later than before, every effort will be made to ensure schools are open and able to meet safeguarding responsibilities to the children affected. If you’d like to comment on specific services, please use the feedback form.
Q22: My child attends Wallace Hall Academy and was late for school because the morning bus from Dumfries was full – what can you do about that?
A: We understand that some families have experienced challenges with pupils travelling to Wallace Hall Academy, particularly due to capacity issues on public service routes 236 and 246. Please see the Latest Service Improvements and Updates section below for details of how we are helping to address this.
Q23: Will children still receive free bus travel?
A: Yes, all children in Scotland are entitled to free bus travel through their Young Scot National Entitlement (NEC) card, which will work as normal.
Ticketing and Fares
Q24: Why are multi-journey or day tickets not available with some new operators?
A: Ticketing systems vary between operators and the council and SWestrans do not control ticketing on commercial services. However, SWestrans is working with providers to improve integration and make ticketing simpler and more consistent across the network. Updates will be shared here as discussions progress.
Q25: Will integrated ticketing be introduced across different operators?
A: Yes, this is a priority. The council and SWestrans are actively exploring ways to introduce multi-operator ticketing to improve convenience for passengers. Updates will be shared here when available.
Q26: Why have fares changed on my service?
A: Individual fares on services run by DGC Buses and all other operators have been capped to protect access to essential services and keep travel affordable. Fares could be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Although the council and SWestrans don’t control multi-ticket or periodic tickets offered by bus operators, they are engaging with providers to raise public concerns in this area.
Future Improvements to the Bus Network
Q27: What are you doing to review and improve services?
A: Dumfries and Galloway Council is currently reviewing eight DGC Buses timetables in the west of the region to understand how well they meet local needs. These routes connect communities across Newton Stewart, Girvan, the Machars, Portpatrick, Drummore, Stranraer and Kirkcolm. DGC Buses is now the sole provider in Wigtownshire.
Passengers are encouraged to share feedback on what’s working well and where improvements could be made before 17 October. More information: Help Shape the Journey in Wigtownshire with DGC Buses | Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The new contracts also allow closer collaboration between the council, SWestrans and commercial bus operators. Every day we are gathering information on urgent timetable issues and working with operators to explore possible improvements.
Q28: How can I give feedback on the new bus services?
A: We want to hear your suggestions, to ensure that the bus network meets the needs of passengers. You can help shape the network by sharing your feedback on this form. Please note that while we welcome all feedback, we are unable to respond individually. All feedback received will be reviewed and considered.
Q29: What investment is being made in the bus network going forward?
A: The council has already invested £2.66 million in 12 new low-emission buses and is planning a further £3.4 million investment in electric buses through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund as well as the introduction of a real-time information system on key routes in spring 2026.
Q30: How can the council afford to buy 12 new buses when some routes have been reduced or withdrawn?
A: The funding for the new buses comes from capital borrowing and the council’s capital budget, which is specifically set aside for replacing vehicles which have reached the end of their service life. It cannot be used to operate services.
Q31: How will you keep people up to date about future changes or improvements to the bus network?
A: We will update this set of questions and answers. Every time we do this we will let you know through social media channels, our WhatsApp Channel and Council News.
Latest Service Improvements and Updates (updated 9 October 2025)
We’ve been working closely with SWestrans and local operators to respond to feedback and support service enhancements where possible.
As a result, the following improvements have been made.
Service 359 (Newton Stewart to Girvan)
From Monday 20 October, all journeys shown on the timetable will run every Monday to Saturday, including during school holidays. This means that services previously limited to school days only will now operate throughout the week.
Service 372 (Dumfries to Dalbeattie)
This service has reintroduced Southerness as a regular stop on both morning and afternoon journeys, Monday to Saturday. The morning route also serves Kirkbean and Southerness en route to Sandyhills and Dalbeattie. The afternoon service includes a scheduled layover at Southerness from 4.25pm to 5.01pm before continuing toward Dumfries via Carsethorn and Kirkbean.
Service 500 (Dumfries to Stranraer)
This service now departs Stranraer at 6.10am (previously 6.20am), Monday to Saturday. This change improves connections to Lochfoot and Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, and allows passengers to connect with the 101 service to Barony College.
246 Dumfries (Lochside, Holywood, Auldgirth, Closeburn) to New Cumnock
This is a commercial bus route operated by McCalls Coaches.
Sanquhar Academy
We are aware that timing issues have affected some pupils travelling from Kirkconnel and Kelloholm to Sanquhar Academy using this service.
To address this, Dumfries and Galloway Council has introduced a second dedicated school transport service from Kirkconnel and Kelloholm as an interim measure to ensure that pupils entitled to free home-to-school transport can travel safely and reliably.
We are continuing to work with Brownriggs Coaches, McCalls Coaches, the local school, and SWestrans to identify a longer-term solution that meets the needs of all pupils.
Wallace Hall Academy
We are also aware of issues affecting pupils travelling to Wallace Hall Academy using commercial bus services.
To help ease pressure on the A76 corridor for pupils who are not in receipt of free home-to-school transport, a second bus has been introduced on the 246 route on Mondays to Fridays during term time only, starting on Thursday 28 August.
This arrangement has been made as a collaboration between the council, SWestrans and McCalls Coaches. The service will operate on a trial basis until the October school holidays.
It will depart Whitesands at 8.05am, terminating at Wallace Hall Academy. The return journey will depart the school at 4.07pm, terminating at Whitesands. The existing 246 service will continue to run to New Cumnock as per the published timetable.
D1 and D10 Dumfries Town Services
Houston’s Coaches have split the previously merged D1/D2 and D10/D12 services back into separate routes:
• D1
• D2
• D10
• D12
Updated timetables are available on the council’s website.
D8 Cargenbridge to Dumfries
Houston’s Coaches has introduced an 8.25am service from Cargenbridge to support secondary school pupils travelling to school in the morning.