UpStaging
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STAGECOACH, the Perth-based express coach operator which has developed fast on deregulated routes to and within Scotland, has expanded into Ayrshire.
It took over the ArdrossanGlasgow commuter express service of Bennett's of Kilwinning last month, and director Brian Souter told CM that Stagecoach has "one or two ideas" of how it would like to develop and improve the service.
Stagecoach is using its own Volvo coaches on the service, for which Bennett won road service licence authority in the face of Strathclyde PTE and British Rail objections, and has taken over two of the drivers employed by Bennett.
A new Stagecoach garage will open shortly in central Glasgow, handling this and the GlasgowEdinburgh express service started last summer, and other Glasgow commitments of the company.
It is now running a co-ordinated Glasgow-London service in partnership with Park's of Hamilton, with Stagecoach handling bookings and Park's providing coaches.
• Another partnership deal concluded last year provides through booking between Cotter's Glasgow-London Coachline service and the Fast Class Glasgow-Inverness routes run jointly by Newton's of Dingwall and Allander of Milngavie.