21 June 2005

Changes to local travel centre information in Kirkintilloch

Due to the low level of public enquiries, SPT is making changes to the way that public transport information is provided in the East Dunbartonshire area, with effect from Saturday 16 July 2005.

SPT regrets that the Kirkintilloch travel centre is to close permanently after close of business on that day. The travel centre, located in Barony Chambers, West High Street originally opened in November 1997 and despite ongoing efforts to market the services available, the number of public enquiries handled each year do not justify its continuing operation.

To ensure that public transport timetable information is still readily available locally to residents and visitors to the area, SPT will shortly start discussions with East Dunbartonshire about alternative arrangements. Plans are being developed to provide public transport timetables in the adjacent William Patrick library and Bishopbriggs library. This new service will complement the recently established information points in Lennoxtown and Bearsden (Brookwood) libraries.

Commenting on the new arrangements, Chair of SPT, Councillor Alastair Watson said: “We are sorry that Kirkintilloch travel centre has had to close, but the number of enquiries was significantly below that of our other travel centres, despite our best efforts to promote the facility. The new arrangements, in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council, will ensure the continuation of public transport information in Kirkintilloch to complement the new services at Bishopbriggs along with the recently established services in Lennoxtown and Bearsden libraries.”

SPTA member for East Dunbartonshire, Councillor Alan Moir said: “I am obviously disappointed that it has been necessary to close the travel centre, but what is important is that we will ensure that access to information about public transport services continues in the area.

“For those people living in rural communities not served by commercial bus companies, it is good to know that information about SPT’s Dial A Bus and Ring’n’Ride schemes will soon be available in local libraries.”

Customers wishing to purchase tickets should contact operators directly, or visit any SPT travel centre. Posters will be in place at Kirkintilloch travel centre to advise customers of the change and a leaflet will explain alternative contact details and addresses of the other SPT travel centres. Public transport information is also available be calling traveline Scotland on 0870 608 2 608.

ends