A NEW BUS service that has been linking Speyside communities in Tomintoul and Grantown-on-Spey looks set to continue through the winter following a successful trial period.
Around ten passengers have used the bus on its weekly return service since the trial period was first launched in April. Prior to the introduction of the service over the 13-mile route there was no public bus services linking the two towns.
Run by Moray Council’s public transport unit, a decision on if the service should continue is to be made by members of the economic development and infrastructure services committee this week.
“The service has operated every Wednesday with passenger loadings at an encouraging level for such a remote location,” a report to the committee says, adding: “These figures compare very favourably with other services of a similar nature operating elsewhere in Scotland.
“In order to maintain consistency and foster growth for forthcoming years, it is proposed to continue to operate this service to the existing timetable throughout the winter months.
“While demand may well reduce, it is important that the service is allowed to become established as a constant feature in the area.”
At the same meeting the committee will also be asked to agree proposals that would see the promotion of a minibus service transporting day service clients to and from the Keith Resource centre from Speyside to that of a public bus service.
If approved that would depart from Dufftown at 9am on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, returning from Keith at 4.30pm each day and continuing on to Tomintoul on request.