I’m calling for improved bus services from Douglas and along the M74 corridor to Hamilton and Glasgow.
I recently met with Gordon MacLennan, the Chief Executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, to press the case for improvements.
I called for the meeting following requests from constituents who would like to see more services from the Douglas area to Hamilton, and also a local stop for the X74 express service which runs from Dumfries to Glasgow.
One option which I asked them to consider is a stop for the X74 service at Happendon Services. Stagecoach, who operate the service, has previously said it would take too long for them to divert a coach into Douglas, so this seems a viable alternative.
Douglas Valley residents have told me that better services to the north would open up more job opportunities for them, as well as improved shopping and leisure services.
I will continue to lobby Stagecoach, but hope that SPT will back me up, and look at community transport options which would link Douglas to any service stopping at Happendon.