Following a rigorous procurement process, 45 long-term contracts – each lasting up to seven years – have been awarded to local operators to deliver the subsidised bus network across the region. The council will also deliver several bus routes in its role as the operator of last resort, where there has been no affordable private operator interest.
The updated network will take effect on 7 August, with adjustments to timings on routes and changes to the operating company in some cases. Passengers are strongly encouraged to review the new timetables prior to travel from 7 August onwards.
Cllr John Campbell, Chair of SWestrans, said:
“We are pleased to publish the new bus timetables in advance of the new bus contracts starting on 7 August. These will help people confidently plan their journeys – whether for commuting, socialising, or accessing vital services – and I urge everyone to check their local timetable online before travelling.
“We appreciate there has been a great deal of uncertainty on the future of the local bus network and hope these new timetables will reassure members of the public that communities will remain connected. We remain fully committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition, and we look forward to working alongside the operators that will serve our communities over the coming years.
“With 1000 bus stops in the region, new printed timetables may not reach all bus stops in time for the start date, but we’ll make sure they’re in place as soon as possible afterwards.”
Timetables and updated operator information can be viewed at: Get bus and ferry timetables | Dumfries and Galloway Council.
For those without internet access, information will shortly be available via Traveline Scotland on 0141 465 1878. In the meantime, the council’s contact centre can help on 030 33 33 3000. Paper copies of timetables will be available to view at local libraries.
As previously confirmed, all home-to-school transport bus services will operate from the start of the new school term in August.
In addition, SWestrans and the council have been actively working to ensure that as many of the region’s 12 commercially operated bus routes as possible are in place by 7 August, although neither SWestrans nor the council is responsible for the procurement of services on these routes.
The following routes have so far been confirmed:
| Service | Route | Operator | Notes |
| D1 and D2 | Locharbriggs and Heathhall to Dumfries Town Centre | Houston’s Mini Coaches |
Merged services Timetable available online |
| D3 | Georgetown to Dumfries Town Centre | DGC Buses | Timetable available online |
| D4 | Lochvale to Dumfries Town Centre | DGC Buses | Timetable available online |
| D10 and D12 | Lochside and Lincluden to Dumfries Town Centre | Houston’s Mini Coaches |
Merged services Timetable to be confirmed
|
| 236 | Dumfries to Kirkton to Thornhill | DGC Buses | Timetable available online |
| 246 | Dumfries to Cumnock | McCalls Coaches Ltd | Timetable to be confirmed |
| 81 and 381 | Dumfries to Lockerbie (some services only) | Houston’s Mini Coaches |
Merged services Timetable available online |
An operator has not yet been confirmed for the 501 Dumfries to Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas services. Discussions are ongoing to confirm an operator for this route.
Due to limited operating capacity across both commercial operators and DGC Buses, the 74 Dumfries to Moffat service will be withdrawn. However, parts of the route will be covered by the introduction of additional X74 journeys and a revised 101 timetable.
Unfortunately, it has been necessary to discontinue two further services, to ensure the delivery of an affordable and sustainable bus network. Due to very low passenger volumes, the 512 Castle Douglas town and the 410/411/412 Stranraer to Glenluce, Knock and Ervie service will be withdrawn from 7 August.
As soon as timetable information for the D10/D12 and 246 services is finalised by the new operators, it will be available on the council’s website, along with the 501 if an operator is identified.
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:
“Reliable, sustainable and efficient public transport is essential for our communities, connecting people for work, education, healthcare and much more. The launch of the new subsidised bus network reflects the shared values of the council and SWestrans and underscores our commitment to supporting the best possible services for all residents.
“The procurement of the subsidised and home-to-school bus networks represents a great deal of work that has resulted in stronger contract arrangements with the operators who provide the backbone of the local bus network in the region. These arrangements have been achieved within the agreed budget, ensuring value for money and sustainability in the local networks.”
