Local bus operator First Glasgow has unveiled its new-look X85 and X87 express services, which provide residents in East Dunbartonshire with fast motorway links to Glasgow City Centre.
The operator has announced improvements to the services, with an increased evenings and Sundays frequency of 30 minutes between Kirkintilloch and Glasgow City Centre, and a new evening express service to Waterside, Harestanes and Hillhead.
Customers on services X85 (Buchanan Bus Station – Campsie Glen) and X87 (Buchanan Bus Station - Waterside) can enjoy journeys on some of First Glasgow’s most modern vehicles, with comfortable coach-type seating and free customer WiFi.
The operator unveiled a new First Xpress gold sub-brand for the fleet at a special event in Kirkintilloch recently, attended by representatives from transport partners East Dunbartonshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
Improvements to services X85 (Glasgow City Centre – Campsie Glen) and X87 (Glasgow City Centre - Waterside) were announced as part of a package of recent changes.
The X85 and X87 were introduced in July 2007 to provide residents in East Dunbartonshire - an area with an increasing population – with fast, direct express services to Glasgow City Centre, encouraging more people to choose the sustainable transport option.
With the support of transport partners, the services have seen consistent passenger growth - now totalling more than 1 million passenger journeys per year - and with weekly travel available for just £20 via the First Bus mTickets app, they provide an affordable option for commuting customers.
First Glasgow Managing Director, Andrew Jarvis, said: “Our investment in these services demonstrates our ongoing commitment to East Dunbartonshire. The increased evening frequency - with an extension of an express service to more destinations in the evening - and the new livery are just some of the ways we’re improving the customer journey.
“I would like to thank our customers for their continued support and our transport partners for the vital role they play in encouraging more people to travel by bus.”
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Convener of the Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee at East Dunbartonshire Council, said: "This fresh investment by First Glasgow is great news for local residents, workers, businesses and visitors.
"It can be a challenge for bus operators and transport agencies to balance the needs of local communities with commercial pressures, so this boost is especially welcome. Good public transport links are essential and remain a priority for the Council and its partners."
Vice-Chair of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Cllr Alan Moir, said: “Improving the standard of bus services and offering a good frequency of service to meet passenger demands is key to ensuring the continued use of bus services in our communities.
“Making bus journeys comfortable and convenient for passengers so it meets all their needs should be a priority for all operators.”
Cllr Gibbons, Mr Jarvis and Cllr Moir are pictured above.
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