GREENOCK bus firm McGill’s is stepping up its move into other areas.

The UK’s largest independent bus operator is launching a new-look CitySwift identity as part of the transformation of its Midland Bluebird company across Stirling, Falkirk and the Forth Valley.

The new look X36/X37, now known as CitySwift, linking Stirling and Falkirk to Glasgow will go into service on Friday.

A dedicated fleet of buses have been transformed, inside and out, with new branding, seats set around tables and free USB charging ports.

Some minor timetable changes have also been made to improve timekeeping.

The firm says this is the next step in the transformation at Midland Bluebird, which was acquired from FirstGroup less than 12 months ago.

The company, owned by billionaire businessmen Sandy and James Easdale, has invested over £100,000 in the transformation.

McGill's say it will give passengers better, brighter buses offering quicker and comfier journeys.

This is further to the ongoing fleet replacement programme which has seen 150 newer buses enter service during the last year, leading to enhancement in reliability and growth in customer numbers.

Alex Hornby, group managing director of McGill’s Bus Group, said: “This is the latest investment for Midland Bluebird as we continue to transform the company and improve local bus services for our customers, all with the aim of growing demand and making bus the mode of choice.

“We have invested heavily in revitalising our fleet and quality of product, and the new CitySwift signals our intent for the quality of services customers should expect, with modern on-board features that create more pleasurable journeys.

“We were delighted to have the support of local councillors, MSPs and MPs for our current and future plans and we were pleased that these improvements were well received.

"The most important people, our customers, were also impressed with our ongoing work to improve the Midland Bluebird network and we are really excited at ushering in further growth as the hard work of our team continues to pay off.”