We refer to your recent enquiry regarding the final journey on service 302 being removed.

 

 

 

As part of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s (SPT) ongoing contract renewal programme, the replacement contract for Service 302 was included in the review of services due to expire in July 2025.

 

 

 

In advance of any tendering process, SPT undertakes a comprehensive review of supported services to ensure they remain reliable, sustainable, and responsive to local needs. Particular attention is given to rural communities, where we recognise that demand is often lower but connectivity remains vital. However, in the context of significant financial pressures, it is regrettably not possible to maintain all existing service journeys—especially those with consistently low levels of use.

 

 

 

In the case of Service 302, SPT analysed usage data across eight separate weeks throughout the year. This analysis showed that the final journey of the day recorded no passengers during each of these periods. While we are aware of occasional requests for this journey, these have typically involved only one or two passengers on an infrequent basis. Unfortunately, this level of demand does not support the continued operation of the journey.

 

 

 

The timetable was subsequently revised to address known reliability concerns and to explore opportunities for cost efficiencies. Following a competitive tendering process, the most economically advantageous bid was submitted by Garelochhead Coaches. Their proposal offered an optional timetable that did not include the final journey, reflecting both the usage data and the need to deliver best value for public funds.

 

 

 

We understand that changes to local bus services can be challenging for communities, and we remain committed to working with partners and residents to ensure that essential connectivity is maintained wherever possible.

 

 

 

We trust the above is of assistance.

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

SPT Network Analysis & Design Team