A RAFT of changes come into effect across the Inverclyde bus network next week.

Greenock-based operator McGill’s has announced that a variety of services are being altered from next Monday.

Some are being cut back while others are being extended to make routes ‘sustainable’.

Company bosses say they are having to make changes to ‘adapt to falling budgets’ and ‘in order to balance the books’.

The alterations include the X7 operating from Kilmacolm to Glasgow, except for peak time journeys, with customers travelling from the village into Greenock being encouraged to use the new 531 service, which will be extended from Slaemuir.

The ‘Connect&Go!’ dial-up bus to Upper Skelmorlie will now be rolled out to Inverkip, upper Inverkip, Kip Marina and Wemyss Bay, where customers can connect to a 901 service at Wemyss Bay Station or a 906 at Inverkip Main Street.

The company’s 547 bus will return to its previous route and will now serve Greenock, Gourock and McInroy’s Point only.
Other changes include the ClydeFlyer reverting back to a 15-minute service and the 907 will only operate between Dunoon and Greenock on Sundays — it will continue on to Glasgow from Monday-Saturday.

The 517 will now operate to a new 12-minute frequency on Saturdays with the weekday service remaining the same.
All other Inverclyde routes will remain unchanged.

Ralph Roberts, the company’s managing director, said: “McGill’s is constantly trying to improve our network and make services more attractable for customers.

“These changes have been put in place so residents of Inverclyde can enjoy a sustainable service.”
Bosses say they have invested £200,000 in an extra new bus for the ClydeFlyer route, to allow for a more punctual service for customers.

Customers with any enquiries about changes to their services can call 08000 51 56 51 Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays between 10am to 6pm.