The two major Highland towns of Oban and Fort William now have a seven-day-a-week bus service for the first time.
Argyll and Bute Council said it is the highest level of service
The enhanced 918 Oban-Fort William service comes after a successful funding bid to the Scottish Government’s Bus Investment Fund, made by Argyll and Bute Council in partnership with Highland Council and Hitrans.
The new timetable started today, with the first Sunday run scheduled on May 24.
Councillor Roddy McCuish, chairman of the Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, said: “In a recent meeting with Thomas MacLennan, chairman of Lochaber Area Committee, one of the things we did discuss was improving transport links between Oban and Fort William.
“I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to secure this extra funding to provide more bus services between the two towns. As well as a great economic boost for both towns, it will allow people to travel back and forward on a more frequent basis.”
Because the service provides an important connection between two west Highland towns, it has been included in the Scottish Citylink coach network, and Citylink tickets are valid for use.
There are three journeys each way seven days a week during the summer and two journeys seven days a week during the winter. Onward connections are available at Fort William to Fort Augustus and Inverness.
Before now, during the summer months the service has normally been operated Mondays to Saturdays by West Coast Motors without any public funding. During the winter the service is part funded by both Argyll and Bute and Highland Councils.
The new funding award will allow the enhanced seven-day service to operate for two years. The agencies involved hope that regular passenger numbers will build up allowing the operator to sustain the extra journeys on a commercial basis – meaning that the improved links between Oban and Fort William can be retained.