Public transport plays a vital role in connecting communities to schools, shops, health services and key destinations, especially in rural areas.
Following recent changes to the bus network in the west of the region, the council is keen to hear from passengers about what’s working well and where improvements could be made.
Since the launch of the new network on 7 August, DGC Buses has significantly expanded its services and is now the sole provider of bus services in Wigtownshire.
This follows a major reprocurement process in June, which awarded 45 long-term contracts to trusted local operators. In some areas where no affordable bids were received or no operators could run commercial routes, DGC Buses stepped in as the operator of last resort to retain vital transport links.
This expansion was supported by a £2.66 million council investment announced in August, which funded a fleet of 12 new low-emission buses to serve communities in the west of the region.
Routes Under Review
Eight DGC Buses routes are being reviewed to understand how well they meet local needs. These services connect people to essential destinations, such as Newton Stewart, Girvan, the Machars, Portpatrick, Drummore, Stranraer and Kirkcolm.
Newton Stewart Area Routes:
- 359 – Newton Stewart to Girvan
- 415 – Port William to Newton Stewart
- 416 – Newton Stewart to Stranraer
- 420 – Newton Stewart town service
Stranraer Area Routes:
- 365 – Stranraer local service
- 367 – Stranraer to Portpatrick
- 407 – Drummore to Stranraer
- 408 – Stranraer to Kirkcolm
Although the DGC Buses network has grown by 40% in a short time and is currently operating at full capacity, passenger feedback remains vital to shape future improvements to services.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Thompson, said:
“DGC Buses has played an important role in keeping services running in the west of the region, and we’re continuing to build the network for the people who use it. This is about listening to passengers to help our services fit better with their needs.“Making these improvements takes time, but this is the beginning of a more flexible and responsive network and I encourage people to share their views."
SWestrans Chair Cllr John Campbell said:
“SWestrans works closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council to support better public transport across the region and we fully support this effort to gather local feedback.
“It’s vital that communities have a say in how services are shaped, especially in rural areas where public transport is a lifeline. This is a real opportunity to make sure the network reflects the needs of the people who rely on it most.”
The deadline for feedback is 31 October. Residents can complete the feedback form online at: https://forms.office.com/e/7XZgLa2KbF
Timetables can be found here:
359 Newton Stewart to Girvan - From 7th August 2025.pdf
415-Port-William-to-Newton-Stewart-From-7_August_2025.pdf
416-Newton-Stewart-to-Stranraer-From-7_August_2025.pdf
420 Newton Stewart Town Service - From 7th August 2025.pdf
365 Stranraer Local Service - From 7th August 2025.pdf
367 Stranraer to Portpatrick - From 7th August 2025.pdf
407 Drummore to Stranraer - From 7th August 2025.pdf
408 Stranraer to Kirkcolm - From 7th August 2025 (1).pdf
A Q and A and route information are available at: www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/busQandA.