A coach operator says it has listened to what Highland bus users want as improved services on their routes start this week.
Scottish Citylink’s revised timetable, which came into operation yesterday, is aimed at providing better connections for commuters with hospital and university links included.
The coach operator’s 919 route from Fort William to Inverness will now provide five return journeys a day. A new direct link to both the city’s hospital and university from Fort William and the Great Glen will also have two new journeys a day allowing return commuting and student travel to Inverness from all points on the route.
On Monday to Friday, the new journeys will arrive at the UHI Campus in Inverness at 8.40am and 1.30pm, returning from the campus at 1.40 and 5.10pm, calling at Raigmore Hospital in both directions.
Additional summer Sunday services will also be added to the timetable between May and October, with a total of four services instead of two.
For regular travellers, a new Flexi10 ticket for use within a 28 day period will be available for £27.50 for journeys between Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Lochend, Dochgarroch and Inverness. This ticket is available from drivers on the coaches or online at www.citylink.co.uk.
Scottish Citylink Managing Director, Robert Andrew, said: “We are excited to be able to offer these additional services for the Highlands. As always we’ve listened to our passengers who have asked for a direct service from Fort William and the Great Glen to the hospital and university campus in Inverness and have added this to our timetable.
“We hope this will make a real difference to our customers who want to make this popular journey.
“We also know that the region receives a lot of tourists over the summer months, which is why we’ve added additional summer Sunday services. We hope that these changes will help to provide a vital service for our local communities, encouraging visitors to the region and helping economies to grow.”
Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie, Transport Spokesperson for the Scottish Green Party, said: “I am delighted that this improved service will ensure people can travel from Lochaber to the University of the Highlands and Islands in time for classes to begin. This is an excellent example of a service reflecting community needs.
“Reliable services, focussed on the needs of our communities are important in encouraging greater use of public transport, helping to tackle congestion and air pollution.”
