A 'vital' Glasgow bus service has announced plans to expand and deliver twice as many journeys.

Scottish charity Climate Action Strathaven (CAS) launched its service in October 2022 to combat concerns about a lack of transport links between Strathaven and Glasgow, as well as provide a more sustainable travel option.

Before the route was introduced, Strathaven locals studying in Glasgow could not get public transport and were left with the financially daunting prospect of trying to find student accommodation in the city. 

Glasgow Times:

L-R: Bus driver Mark Allan, Alison Harley, and Michael Newton from Banks Renewables

Meanwhile, the poor transport links were also thought to be isolating the elderly community of Strathaven. 

Alison Harley, programme manager for CAS, said: “The impact the bus service has had on our community cannot be understated, it has been genuinely transformative.  

“There has been a need for this service for a very long time in South Lanarkshire and we are really pleased we were not only able to set up a bus service but now be in the position to expand.

“We’ve extended our service’s timetables in direct response to local demand.

"Before the bus, young people studying in Glasgow couldn’t get public transport to classes and some elderly people were really struggling with loneliness and a lack of independence – we’re certain the bus service has supported people in those tough circumstances."

Glasgow Times:

To run the service, CAS received £19,500 in funding from renewables firm Banks Renewables as well as £21,500 from national walking charity Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund.

The 3C bus service has since seen around 42,000 tickets issued and it is estimated to have saved around 510,000 car miles and taken roughly 235 tonnes of CO2 off the roads. 

Graham McQueen, manager of the SCSP programme, said: “Climate Action Strathaven have gone from strength to strength since the launch of their bus service and it is clear there is a demand for more accessible and sustainable modes of travel.

"The bus service is a lifeline to their local community.

“Supporting communities through initiatives like the bus service is crucial to helping people thrive, especially in rural areas.

"We are delighted to support them throughout this journey.” 

Glasgow Times:

Robin Winstanley, sustainability, and external affairs manager at Banks Renewables, added: “It’s really encouraging to see how much of an impact the bus service has had on the community of Strathaven, and we’re all delighted to hear that it's been such a success. 

“The bus project is a great example of what our funding grants are aiming to achieve, which is to invest in local communities to help them build and improve on vital services, creating better communities.”