Electric bus service launches in rural Scotland

A new electric bus service has been launched to connect rural communities by public transport in Moray.

The new m.connect service offers a ‘hail and ride’ option for customers – meaning the driver will pick up and drop off passengers at any safe point along the route, which takes in Aberlour, Craigellachie, Knockando, Archiestown, Dallas, Rafford and Forres.

According to the organisers, the new service is also ideal for tourists hopping between Speyside’s countless visitor attractions, and for connecting locals in Moray’s rural communities who would otherwise face lengthy public transport journeys, or rely on a car to get around.

The new service is being operated by Moray Council and managed by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), which is the statutory regional transport partnership.

Photo by Michael Traill

‘It’s an important step towards joining up our rural communities and I would urge locals to take advantage of the free trial and jump on board,’ HITRANS chairman, Cllr Allan Henderson.

‘It’s important for the future that we all consider green public transport as a serious alternative to taking the car and this service takes a positive step in enabling that.’

The leader of Moray Council, Cllr Graham Leadbitter added: ‘I am delighted that Moray is the first rural area to trial this new type of travel.

‘We know the significant impact electric buses have had in urban areas and we are keen to demonstrate that clean, green public transport is a sustainable and economical way forward for rural areas too.’