Councillors noted the decision by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Chief Executive to invest £2.66 million in a fleet of 12 new low-emission buses to safeguard vital transport links between communities in the west of the region.
The buses have been operating on public- and school-transport routes since 7 August.
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s investment is funded through capital borrowing as well as the council’s Capital Transport Asset Class.
The council’s purchase of 12 additional buses has boosted DGC Buses’ fleet of vehicles to 77, making it one of the largest council-operated bus fleets in Scotland.
The news follows the recent completion of a rigorous procurement process conducted by Dumfries and Galloway Council in partnership with regional transport partnership SWestrans.
In late June, 45 long-term contracts were awarded to trusted local operators, forming the backbone of the region’s subsidised bus network.
Where no affordable bids were submitted, or where operators were unable to take on commercially run routes, DGC Buses has stepped in as the operator of last resort to ensure that as many key transport routes as possible can be retained.
And today (Monday 11 August) at the special meeting of Full Council, councillors agreed a range of actions, including:
- Noted that the local bus network (subsidised) is the responsibility of South West Scotland Transport Partnership (SWestrans), home-to-school transport is the responsibility of the council, and commercial routes are the responsibility of individual operators.
- Recognised the gaps in bus provision that have emerged during the current procurement process and the public concern over timetable and capacity changes and therefore the urgent need for improvements to the network.
- Reaffirmed the decision of Full Council on 26 June 2025 to bring forward a report to committee setting out practical options for establishing a council-run bus operation.
- Agreed that a public transport needs assessment for all local areas affected by the withdrawal or reduction of commercial services since June 2025 is carried out in line with statutory duties.
- Agreed that a review of transport procurement processes is undertaken jointly between the Council and SWestrans, in line with statutory duties, and reported to the relevant council committee.
- Noted the significant work that has been progressed over the last few months by SWestrans, council officers and local bus operators to procure and deliver transport services across the region’s bus network.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Convener, Cllr Katie Hagmann, said:
“Today’s meeting gave all councillors a chance to discuss the changes to our local bus network.
“We understand the uncertainty and concern that has surrounded local bus services in recent weeks, following the withdrawal of Stagecoach West Scotland as the main provider of commercial bus services in the region.
“I want to thank everyone in Dumfries and Galloway for their patience and for bearing with us. The council and SWestrans have worked hard with local bus operators to keep most services running.
“There’s plenty more work to do and this is not the end point. Officers from the council and SWestrans will continue working with local bus operators to improve services in future.
“All timetables are now online at https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/timetables. If you don’t have internet access, you can call Traveline Scotland or contact the council on 030 33 33 3000. Paper copies of timetables are also available to view in local libraries.”