Keith-Buckie bus service set to roar back!
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A BUS service linking Buckie to Keith which was controversially axed nine years ago is to be restored.
The only direct bus link between the two towns – which included a stop at the train station – vanished in 2013 when Moray Council withdrew its £320,000 funding. It was a move which sparked a storm of protest, including a petition which attracted more than 700 signatures.
In the years since, those wishing to travel to travel between Buckie and Keith had to change buses in Fochabers.
However, there was good news in the latest update on the Bus Revolution Project as part of the Moray Growth Deal with the news that the route will be re-introduced.
It will run from Cullen through Portknockie, Findochty, Portessie, Buckie, Portgordon, Enzie, Aultmore, Newmill and Keith between Monday to Friday from 5.25am to 9.15pm.
It has been designed to coincide with the trains at Keith rail station where possible.
The news was welcomed by Keith-Cullen councillors Laura Powell and Donald Gatt.
Councillor Powell said she hoped the service would not only be successful but, in time, be expanded.
She continued: "As you know, a Buckie to Keith Station bus was put in place following the closure of the railway in 1967.
"I believe that the service ran until about 10 years ago when it was discontinued, presumably down to insufficient passenger numbers.
"As a rail user I would welcome being able to get a bus to Keith Station from Buckie. I understand that the proposed service will cover the frequently used morning trains which depart Keith at 8.18am and 10.13am (or thereabouts) and the two main return trains which depart about 15.20 and after 5pm.
"I do hope that the service is successful and that it will be expanded over time."
Councillor Gatt added: “I’m particularly pleased that this service will connect with Keith Railway Station improving connections with rail services. I’d encourage those without access to private car ownership to use the service."
Also welcoming the news was Moray MP Douglas Ross.
He commented: "This is exactly the sort of project for the community that the Moray Growth Deal can provide.
“The Moray Growth Deal is a perfect example of how both of Scotland’s governments can work together to support the area.
“Bus services are even more critical in rural areas like Moray so I look forward to this service being reintroduced.
“As we recover from the pandemic, ensuring people have access to local transport services will be crucial in enabling job opportunities.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead hailed the plans as embodying the "kind of integration we need to see".
He said: “It’s good news that a bus service connecting Keith and Buckie has been reinstated and that communities including Newmill will also benefit.
“Reliable bus services are an important part of plans to reduce carbon emissions and hopefully this service will encourage people to travel by public transport rather than by car. It’s great that the service will be linked up with train departures from Keith – this is the kind of integrated system we need to see.”
A provisional copy of the timetable can be seen at https://moray.cmis.uk.com/moray
