Firm signs £4m deal with council to help run bus services in Borders

The deal, worth an estimated £4m, will focus on encouraging increased bus usage by improving services and upgrading and maintaining local infrastructure.

The Berwick-based company already operates key regional bus services, including the X95 from Edinburgh to Carlisle and X62 from Melrose to Edinburgh.

As part of the new deal, it will assume commercial responsibility for Scottish Borders Council’s core bus network.

That includes services 51/52 from Jedburgh to Edinburgh via St Boswells, Earlston and Lauder; service 60 from Galashiels to Berwick via Duns; service 67 from Galashiels to Berwick via Kelso; service 68 from Galashiels to Jedburgh; and service E13 from Galashiels to Earlston.

The firm will also work in partnership with the council to improve bus stops, provision of real-time information and bus priority measures.

Currently, the council manages and controls the scheduling of bus routes, timetables and the setting of fares, with Borders Buses operating services on its behalf.

The new agreement will see Borders Buses also setting times, frequencies and ticketing to maximise opportunities to improve the bus network.

Since its creation in 2017, Borders Buses, part of West Coast Motors, has invested more than £10m in new buses, ticketing systems and improved technology, including Scotland’s first bike-friendly bus routes.

Colin Craig, managing director of Argyll-based West Coast Motors, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council to determine the many ways we can encourage more people onto buses.

“Our customers are at the heart of all our key decisions, and this partnership agreement not only reaffirms our ongoing investment and commitment to the communities we serve, but it also provides a fantastic platform to improve bus services and play an important role in improving and upgrading the local bus infrastructure to encourage modal shift.”

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, the council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “Since their arrival in 2017, Borders Buses have been an excellent addition to the public transport network in our area.

“I am delighted we have now agreed this partnership which will secure a number of core services for local commuters and visitors. It also means Borders Buses can continue to improve their services across the Borders to meet passenger demand through the use of technology and modern vehicles.

“As part of our bus review, the council will continue to work with communities and operators to ensure services are sustainable and customer-focused.”

Council leader Shona Haslam added: “Despite only being in existence for three years, Borders Buses have so far invested over £10m in new vehicles, introduced Scotland’s first bike-friendly bus route, provided contactless on-board payment and a new app and website which provides real-time bus-tracking and ticketing options.

“There will be further announcements in the coming weeks and months which will highlight why we see this partnership as hugely positive news for the Borders.”