First Borders buses in Galashiels made their final trip from the current bus station on Sunday 13th October, marking the end of 45 years of bus services at the site on Stirling Street to make way for the construction of a new bus station.
Despite the closure, First Borders confirmed that customers should still expect the same high standard of service. From today (14th October) First will operate buses from Stirling Street. In order to ensure a smooth transition First Borders will have extra members of staff at Stirling Street to help familiarise customers with the new set up.
Bus passengers will continue to have access to the facilities at the Bus Station such as, toilets, lost property, waiting room and general enquires. These facilities will be available until mid-2015 at which point it is expected that a new transport interchange building linking the Borders Railway will open.
First Borders’, Operations Manager, Lee Young, said: “Over the years hundreds of thousands of customers have used the bus station and I’m sure many have fond memories of its 45 years. It’s provided First Borders with a good home. I can assure our customers that we’ve put in place alternative arrangements that will ensure customers can expect the same high quality bus services.”
He continued: “In the last year we’ve introduced a range of initiatives including an investment of £1.5 million in 10 brand new buses as well as running a number of promotions. That good work will continue and I’m sure our customers will be pleased with some of the exciting developments that are planned.”