First Bus is introducing a raft of new routes across Lanarkshire 100 years after bus services first began operating in the area.
Beginning on Sunday, March 29, the 'refreshed' network will deliver new, frequent services - some operating every 15 minutes - along with new early morning and later evening trips.
Sunday services will also run for the first time on several routes while existing services will receive timetable adjustments "to improve reliability and punctuality and expand the hours of operation", the bus operator said.
Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “These new services will provide better connectivity, greater convenience and more options for customers travelling around Lanarkshire.
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“We have looked carefully at the overall network to see where we can best satisfy travel needs for shift workers, health appointments and leisure to support the Lanarkshire economy.”
First Bus can trace its beginnings to the Glasgow General Omnibus Company that started operating buses in 1926.
“History was made here 100 years ago and today we’re building on that legacy with new bus services taking Lanarkshire into the future,” added Graeme Macfarlan.
To mark the centenary of bus services, First Bus was joined by the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust and its prized 1954 Central SMT L484 Leyland Titan bus at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility in Motherwell.
Network Planning Manager, Max Cains was accompanied by Linda McNeish, a member of the First Bus training team who began working in Lanarkshire’s bus industry in the 1970s, and driver Margaret Lynch.
Graeme Macfarlan said: "We are determined to expand our Lanarkshire network further in the future as we continue to improve our services and look forward to the next 100 years of connecting Lanarkshire."
Julie Wilson, Head of Bus Service and Delivery at Strathclyde Passenger Transport, said: “SPT welcomes any additional services to the region which help better connect communities and encourage more people to use public transport.”
Full details of the news services can be found on the First Bus website https://www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-glasgow/plan-journey/lanarkshire-network-changes
