m.connect expansion plan agreed
Moray Council has agreed the expansion of m.connect services in Moray as part of the second phase of the Bus Revolution project.
The Bus Revolution project is part of Moray’s £100m Growth Deal. The project is funded through £4m from the Scottish Government and £300,000 from Moray Council.
Bus Revolution aims to improve public transport connectivity across Moray by providing additional public transport services to improve access and use of public transport.
Phase one of the bus revolution project launched in May 2023, extending the operational hours of existing services; introducing a new timetable service; implementing a real time booking and management service; introducing electric vehicles; and a revised zonal fare structure.
Phase two sees proposed expansions and changes, to be implemented in spring 2025, including:
- A full redesign of m.connect timetabled services in Speyside offering an increase in frequency of service and improved connectivity to the wider bus and rail network, meeting demand in a more inclusive and efficient way.
- Extended bus service from Kingston to Elgin connecting Larch Court, Hamilton Gardens, Morriston road into the centre of Elgin.
- Introduction of Saturday services in Buckie and Speyside.
- Procurement of an additional four fully accessible vehicles.
- Expanded EV charging infrastructure for m.connect vehicles.
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Since the launch of m.connect we’ve seen strong community support and increase in demand for the service with a 22% rise in passenger journeys over the last year. With the proposed expansion as part of phase two we will be able to provide even more opportunity for reliable and sustainable public transport which meets the need of our region’s large rural community.
“I look forward to seeing many more people opting to use this service, which will also help to reduce the environmental impact of transport in the area.”
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, added: “It’s fantastic to see the proposed expansion plans for the m.connect service. These plans will provide greater opportunity for residents throughout Moray to access public transport and continue to reduce travel barriers throughout the region.
“I welcome these proposals and I’m eager to see how the service will continue to grow once phase two is implemented.”