Significant growth for m.connect journeys
Moray Council’s m.connect transport service has seen a significant growth in journeys over the last year.
The m.connect service is part of Moray’s first phase of a 10 year growth plan for the Bus Revolution project in Moray’s £100m Growth Deal. The project is funded through £4m of Scottish Government funding and £300,000 from Moray Council.
The m.connect service has seen a 22% rise in passenger journeys, recording 45,881 journeys in its first year (April 2022 – March 2023) rising to 55,644 journeys between May 2023 and March 2024.
The largest growth has been recorded on the 309 service (Cullen-Buckie-Keith) route and the on-demand services in Buckie, Keith & Speyside, the areas m.connect introduced services for as part of the first phase of delivery in May 2023.
While the service has a core passenger demographic over the age of 60, there has been a rise in passengers under the age of 22, a trend the service hopes will continue as it enters its second year of service.
A brand refresh, plus the introduction of new electric vehicles and app-based technology played a major part in the growth seen across Moray.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “It’s fantastic to see such strong community support for the m.connect service, which aims to provide greater connectivity to employment, education, recreational and welfare facilities in Moray.
“I look forward to seeing further growth in 2024 as we continue to provide reliable and sustainable public transport that has serving the community at the heart of its operational mantra. I’m especially pleased to see the service supporting younger people to get to work, education and recreational activities.”