5 September 2008
Routes extended to meet local needs
Two SPT-subsidised North Lanarkshire bus services are to be extended to meet the needs of local communities.
At the request of local residents and councillors, a new housing estate in Cumbernauld and a road in Chapelhall will soon have improved access to bus travel to meet a growing population.
The Croy Interlink service 344/345 (Croy – Twechar – Kilsyth) will be re-routed from Smithstone Road, Cumbernauld, via a new road between Smithstone Road and Constarry Road, passing the new Hopepark Drive housing estate.
The alteration will be implemented during November 2008, subject to approval from Transport Scotland, which wholly funds this rail-feeder service.
Smithstone Road will continue to be served by services X2, 47/A, 147 and 403.
In Chapelhall, service 16 (Chapelhall – Airdrie – Carnbroe) will be extended to serve Lancaster Avenue in Chapelhall, commencing 23 November, 2008.
Most journeys will then serve Monklands Hospital at adjacent bus stops on Deedes Street, with one morning journey from Gartness operating via the hospital grounds.
The service between Carnbroe and Airdrie Town centre will be on a more direct routing via Deedes Street, Alexander Street and Stirling Street.
The hospital is already served by a well established local integrated bus network and often experiences considerable traffic congestion.
The more direct route for service 16 will improve operational reliability on this route.
SPT subsidises dozens of local bus services such as these, which are deemed to be socially necessary but which are not provided by private operators.
Timetable details for all bus services are available by telephoning Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 and on the Traveline Scotland website.