Staff, patients and visitors to Borders General Hospital have been benefitting from improved bus services after local operator, First Borders, introduced new services on April 21.
Three new hospital services, called H1, H2 and H3, operate every 20 minutes and are specifically designed to complement shift patterns and visiting times. They also provide a more direct and reliable service. Buses begin operating at 06:35 and finish at 22:23 and link the hospital with Galashiels, Melrose, Tweedbank and Langlee.
A Day Ticket, which offers unlimited travel, is available for just £3 and a range of single, return and child fares are available too.
Managing Director of First Borders, Paul McGowan, said that the numbers of people using the service were encouraging: “Our H1, H2 and H3 services have been operating for just over three weeks, but already we’re noticing an increase in passenger numbers.
“We’ve worked closely with NHS Borders so that our new timetable better reflects visiting hours and shift patterns. I’m delighted that our new services are off to a good start.”
David McLuckie, Director of Estates & Facilities from NHS Borders, said: “These additional services linking Galashiels and Tweedbank with the Hospital will improve access for patients, visitors and staff. A commitment to the use of public transport for those travelling a short distance to and from the hospital will reduce demand on our car parks, both short and long stay.
He added: “We are delighted that First Borders has introduced these additional services. I hope this will encourage more people to consider public transport when accessing the hospital.”
For more information about the H1, H2 and H3 services, please visit www.firstgroup.com/scottishborders .