Drumgrew bus progress welcomed by SNP duo

Constituency representatives Stuart McDonald and Jamie Hepburn have jointly praised SPT for its efforts to safeguard public transport links during the closure.

The nine-month bridge closure, which links Cumbernauld to Kirkintilloch, would initially have had a severe impact on public transport between the towns.

Now SPT is attempting to broker a deal with local councils and Network Rail to run a replacement bus service connecting Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch, and also set up a temporary service until longer-term financing is agreed.

Stuart McDonald MP said: “I was pleased to receive confirmation from SPT that they are working hard to ensure that those who rely on public transport to get between Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch, particularly those who use this service to get to work, won’t be left stranded and that an interim bus service is likely to be put in place.

“As far as I understand it, North Lanarkshire Council have already agreed to fund a share of the cost of a replacement bus service if East Dunbartonshire and Network Rail are able to do the same. I would encourage both those organisations to work collaboratively to help share this cost and to ensure that this well utilised service continues to be provided for travellers in the area who rely on it”.

Jamie Hepburn MSP added: “I am pleased that SPT have been able to alleviate some of the concerns that the impact of the withdrawal of this service will have for a number of constituents.”

Ronnie Park, SPT’s director of bus operations, added: “Our primary concern is to ensure that passengers can still make the journey – albeit allowing extra time for the diversion.

“The travelling public are the priority so we’ve done our best for them and we’ll now work behind the scenes on the apportionment of costs.”