17 February 2003
Bus boost for Croy railway station
A dedicated bus feeder service serving Croy railway station was officially launched today (17.02.03) by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) and the Scottish Executive.
Three low-floor, fully wheelchair accessible buses which connect with train arrivals and departures at the station, are now operating in Cumbernauld Village, Croy and Kilsyth. Two buses serve the Cumbernauld Village route (service 348) giving a 15 minute service, and the third bus operates the Kilsyth, Barrwood route (service 349) giving a 30 minute service.
The bus feeder service is part of a wider package of improvements aimed at improving access and public facilities at Croy station, which include a new Park and Ride facility to complement the existing car park.
A door-drop of 17,600 leaflets containing bus and rail timetables and full details of the new bus service is being carried out this week (week commencing 17.02.03) to each house in the local area.
Croy is the first station on the SPT rail network, and the new feeder buses are the first vehicles, to incorporate the new integrated SPT branding.
Chair of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Eric Ross said:
"I am delighted to witness these new buses in operation and also the new-branding in place at the station.
"By providing people with a bus service that takes them directly to the station to connect with train departures, and then collects them from the station on their return journey, we are truly offering people an integrated public transport system and a viable alternative to the car.
"We are also in the process of furthering this integration by working on the introduction of through-ticketing, meaning passengers will be able to buy one ticket for their whole journey on bus and rail.
"This feeder service is part of a package on on-going improvements at the station. We are progressing well with plans for an interim car park that should be delivered by the summer. Meanwhile we are also just about to go to tender on the wider study of the station redevelopment, and should be able to appoint a consultant by the Spring.
"Croy is an important station on the network and, as part of the wider package of improvements to improve the facilities and station access, these bus feeder services are an excellent example of integrated public transport and I strongly encourage people to take full advantage of them."
Cathie Craigie, MSP for Cumbernauld & Kilsyth, said: "I welcome the introduction of the new bus services, people who use the station know that the buses have been in operation for some months now however I am pleased that SPT will be publicising the service more widely by leafleting households in the local area.
"Congestion at Croy is a concern to all of us who use the station, and the dedicated bus services will allow those living close to the routes the option of leaving their car at home.
"The Scottish Executive provided funding for this service and for additional car parking provision last year. Since then car users have been waiting - with anticipation of less stressful mornings - on the provision of the new car park. Planning applications for the car park have at last been submitted to the council and I hope that swift progress will be made.
"The dedicated bus services, combined with existing bus services and improved car parking will make the station much more assessable and is another step in the direction of integrated services."
Passengers can also get further rail information by calling the National Rail Enquiry line on 08457 48 49 50, or for information on all public transport by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.
ends
Notes to editors
The buses are operated by HAD Coaches on behalf of SPT.
A flat 50p fare is charged per single journey on any of the Croy station buses. Concession card holders travel free.
The 348 service operates as follows: From Croy station forecourt via B802, Balloch Road, Glen Fyne Road, Eastfield Road, Carrickstone Road, Eastfield Road, Gleneagles Road, Roadside to Cumbernauld Village turning area. Return from Cumbernauld Village turning area via Roadside and above route in reverse to Croy station forcourt.
The 349 service operates as follows: From Croy station forecourt via B802 to Kilsyth, Howe Road, Manse Road, Mid Barrwood Road, St Mirren's Road, Haughton Avenue, Register Road, Low Craigends, U. P. Road, Townhead Street, Howe Road, B802, Constarry Road, B802, to Croy station forecourt.