A new report has signposted the best direction of travel for public and school transport services in Argyll and Bute.
The report’s main conclusion was that the most viable option is to continue the current arrangements by working with existing operators as this offers the most practical and financially sustainable way forward.
The report also outlined areas which could further enhance the existing service. These included better integration of home-to-school transport with public services and liaising closely with bus, ferry, and rail operators to improve timetable co-ordination, route planning, integration, and contingency planning.
In 2025, the Council commissioned consultants to conduct an independent review of school and public transport across the region.
The purpose of the review was to identify how the Council could reduce costs and improve the quality of the services it provided or subsidised for local communities while also maintaining a focus on the importance of reducing carbon emissions.
The report analysed a number of key factors including customer requirements, current service provision across bus, ferry and rail routes, cost of services, and market conditions including issues such as staff recruitment and retention.
The consultants were also tasked with exploring potential options such as the creation of a Council-owned bus operation, establishing a hybrid model and cutting weekend and evening bus services.
Councillors approved the report on Thursday (19 March) at the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services, said: “This independent assessment by Systra confirms that our existing service delivery arrangements for public and school transport are currently the most viable and cost-effective option. We will continue to work closely with contractors to ensure that school and public transport deliver best value for the council and a high-quality service for our communities.”
The full report is available on the Council's website.
