Hop on Scotland's first rural green bus - in Moray!

A PIONEERING electric bus service which cuts emissions by up to 70% is being piloted in rural Moray.

For the first time in at least seven years, the communities between Aberlour and Forres will be connected by public transport, thanks to investment from the Scottish Government's Green Bus Fund and ERDF funding. The new service, m.connect, is a HITRANS project operated by Moray Council.

Today saw the formal launch of Moray’s new eco-friendly bus service, which offers a 'hail and ride' option for customers - meaning the driver will pick up and drop off passengers at any safe point along the route, which takes in Aberlour, Craigellachie, Knockando, Archiestown, Dallas, Rafford and Forres.

Ideal for commuters thanks to the convenient timetabling, for tourists hopping between Speyside's countless visitor attractions, and for connecting locals in Moray's rural communities who would otherwise face lengthy public transport journeys, or rely on a car to get around.

Councillor Allan Henderson, Chairman of HITRANS said: “m.connect is a very welcome addition to the Moray area. It’s an important step towards joining up our rural communities and I would urge locals to take advantage of the free trial and jump on board.

“It’s important for the future that we all consider green public transport as a serious alternative to taking the car and this service takes a positive step in enabling that.”

Leader of Moray Council, Councillor Graham Leadbitter said: “I am delighted that Moray is the first rural area to trial this new type of travel. We know the significant impact electric buses have had in urban areas and we are keen to demonstrate that clean, green public transport is a sustainable and economical way forward for rural areas too.”

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.