News / Don’t miss the bus
PUBLIC transport users in Shetland are being advised to check bus times and routes as a newly overhauled timetable and fare structure comes into operation as of next week.
Shetland Islands Council spent the last two years redesigning the bus network in a bid to reduce its cost to the public purse by more than £1 million.
The new timetables for the 43 different services will come into force on Monday 18 August with the new school bus services following suit two days later.
The parents of every pupil entitled to school transport should receive letters over the next few days, which will include the new school bus pass for their child and details of their pick-up arrangements.
A council spokesman said: “It is extremely important that parents check that each child has the necessary pass, and that they’re aware of any new arrangements they need to make to meet the appropriate bus.”
Chairman of the infrastructure committee Michael Stout added: “This is the first time we’ve had to retender all our contracts for public and school services at one time, and it’s been a mammoth task to get us to this stage.
“Overall, we’ve managed to provide a cheaper service which is more balanced and integrated than it was before.
“There are a few key points I’d like to make; if you regularly use the service bus – for example, for getting to work – please make yourself aware of any possible changes to timetables.
“You do need to hang on to your ticket, as we’ll be checking them regularly under the new contracts. And if you’re a parent, you need to make sure your child has their bus pass, and you know where they’ll be picked up.”
The new timetables will be available in pdf format from the ZetTrans website within the next couple of days.
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