SBG to take over Islay
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ISLAY'S troubled schoolbased stage bus services were taken over this week by Scottish Bus Group's Western SMT.
The services, which carry fare-paying passengers and 240 children to and from Islay High School at Bowmore, have been operated by Greater Glasgow PTE since July 16 using two Leyland Panther coaches and a Leyland National.
This followed the withdrawal of services by Maroner Private Hire (CM, August 3) after its licences were revoked by the Scottish Traffic Commissioners.
Western was the lowest of three bidders for the services, and is to receive £57,000 in subsidies this year from Stkathclyde Regional Council. £41,000 is from the education budget, the rest for public transport.
Five Leyland Leopards acquired last weekend from Paton Brothers of Renfrew have been overhauled and repainted with special "Islay Scottish" fleetnames to work the services.
Western general manager David McCracken told CM that the company is examining various options for the maintenance of its vehicles on the island.