Dumfries and Galloway Council, working in partnership with SWestrans, is undertaking a comprehensive Bus Network Development Project to better understand how bus services are meeting the needs of communities and identify opportunities for improvement. The review will examine how the network has changed in recent years, assess transport needs across the region and help inform recommendations for future services.
Residents, businesses, community groups, public transport users and other stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the engagement and share their experiences of local bus services.
The council wants to understand what is working well, where there may be gaps in provision and how bus services can better connect people to employment, education, healthcare, shops and other essential services. Feedback gathered through the engagement will be considered alongside transport data and technical analysis to help inform future recommendations.
The engagement programme will include an online survey, stakeholder discussions, workshops with transport operators and partner organisations, and targeted engagement with communities and representative groups across Dumfries and Galloway.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
"Bus services are a vital lifeline for many people across Dumfries and Galloway, helping residents access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.
"This review gives us an important opportunity to listen to communities and better understand how bus services are being used, where challenges exist and what improvements people would like to see.
"I would encourage everyone to take part in the engagement to help ensure the future development of our region's bus network reflects the needs and views of local people, whether they use bus services regularly or have not yet travelled by bus. Every response will help build a stronger evidence base and support recommendations that shape the future of bus services across the region."
Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
"We know that access to reliable transport can have a significant impact on people's daily lives, particularly in our rural communities.
"This engagement is an opportunity for residents, businesses and stakeholders to tell us about their experiences and the transport challenges they face.
"Whether you use bus services regularly, occasionally or not at all, your views will help us build a clearer picture of local transport needs and support future decision making."
Feedback from the engagement, together with detailed technical analysis, will help shape recommendations on the future development of the bus network in Dumfries and Galloway. A report setting out the findings of the review and proposed next steps will be presented to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.
Details of how to take part, including links to the survey and engagement activities, are available at: Dumfries and Galloway Bus Network Development Engagement | Dumfries and Galloway Council.