Bus network changes FAQs (Tweeddale & Galashiels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When can tickets be purchased and accepted on SBC's bus services?
A: Effective from May 12, all tickets can be purchased on SBC’s bus services. Tickets previously acquired through the Borders Buses mobile app, as well as on-bus tickets, will be accepted on services 75, 90, 91, and 93. SBC service will accept card payments as well as cash.
Q: What is the new Peebles Town Service?
A: The new Peebles Town Service replaces the current services 90a and 90b. It introduces eight additional journeys per day across Peebles Town Centre and is split into three route sections within the town.
Q: What are the key features of the new Service 90?
A: Key features include:
- Departures from Peebles Eastgate connecting with Borders Buses X62 and Scottish Borders Council's services 91 and 93.
- Simplified fare structure allowing travel across town on a single fare.
- Earlier start time at 08:15.
- Additional afternoon journeys at 16:15 and 16:45.
- Hamilton View will be served six times per day.
Q: What changes have been made to Service 91?
A: The revised timetable introduces four journeys per day between Peebles and Biggar from Monday to Saturday. The service will no longer serve Peebles High School, and entitled pupils will be allocated to existing school contracts.
Q: How will pupils be informed about new travel arrangements?
A: Passenger Transport will communicate new travel arrangements with pupils in advance of the changes on May 12.
Q: What are the key changes to Service 93?
A: The revised timetable introduces four journeys per day between Peebles and West Linton, with a later departure from Peebles at 17:45.
Q: What is the new Service 75?
A: The new Service 75, operated by Scottish Borders Council, will replace services 54 and 74. It will operate nine journeys per day between Balmoral and the Galashiels Transport Interchange, departing on the hour.
Q: Are there any additional departures?
A: Yes, an additional departure at 18:00 from Galashiels Interchange to Balmoral has been introduced.
Q: How does Service 75 improve connections to the Borders General Hospital?
A: Two new peak AM and PM journeys enhance the link to the Borders General Hospital from Galashiels and Melrose Gait.
Q: What changes have been made to Service 51?
A: Service 51 will now serve Melrose Gait, providing more journeys, later evening trips, and extra seating capacity. It maintains the link to Galashiels town center, connecting Melrose Gait to the Borders General Hospital, Melrose, and Edinburgh.
Q: Why are these service changes being made?
A: These changes are part of a broader initiative to improve transport services across the Borders through levelling up funding.
Q: How will the Council ensure a smooth transition?
A: The Council will collaborate with Borders Buses to ensure a smooth transition and will monitor the changes, gathering feedback for 12 weeks following implementation. Minor adjustments may be made as necessary.
Q: Where can I find the new timetables?
A: A detailed summary of changes and new timetables is available by visiting Bus Service - Timetables | Scottish Borders Council. The timetable for Borders Buses 51 can be found here: 51 - Galashiels to Edinburgh, Via BGH, Newtown St Boswells, Earlston, Lauder, Pathhead | Borders Buses. Links required
Q: What are the new real-time information screens?
A: 29 new real-time information screens will be introduced at key sites, supporting the 15 solar-powered and 11 wired screens currently in place across the network.