As a result , the service 340 Helensburgh/Vale of Leven – Royal AlexandraHospitalwas introduced with a timetable to integrate with existing local SPT services.
SPT manages the service 340 on behalf of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. It is jointly funded, 90% by the NHS and 10% by SPT.
SPT already subsidises the services 305 Luss- Alexandria and 306 Alexandria-Helensburgh to ensure public transport links are available in the area.
The new timetable enables Helensburgh residents to make direct journeys to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley by extending return journeys from the Vale of Leven Hospital to start and finish at Helensburgh.
SPT’s Operations Committee Chair Councillor Davie McLachlan said: “If we’re to attract more people to use the public transport network, we’ve got to make sure it provides journeys to the right place at the right time.
“I am delighted that by working in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we’re expanding the network of subsidised services and delivering more travel choice for people with hospital out-patient and visiting commitments.
“It can be a difficult time if you have health problems or a family member is in hospital. If people know about the revised timetable, it could help take some of that worry away. Bus travel also offers savings on journey costs, particularly if they are concession card holders.”
Niall McGrogan, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Head of community Engagement and Transport, said: "This improved service will make it easier for hospital visits and also reduce some of the anxiety when planning visits using public transport.
"Having a relative or friend in hospital is a worrying time for everyone involved, but having regular visits speeds patient recovery and it eases the strain on visitors when they know that buses times coincide with visiting hours and it is a direct route."
Anne Helstrip NHS Highland, Locality Manager for Helensburgh & Lomond added "I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and effort over the last few months in bringing together the plans for this new expanded bus service.
“This is really good news for the people of the Helensburgh and Lomond area and it will make it much easier for patients and their relatives to directly access health services at the Vale of Leven and Royal Alexandra Hospitals using public transport."
Helensburgh resident Mrs Carol Reid is full of praise for the hospital bus link and describes herself as a happy, delighted customer.
She used the service every single day during her husband’s recent stay at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. When Mr Reid was discharged, Carol decided the bus was just the ticket. She accompanied him home to Helensburgh on the hospital bus.
She said:”You couldn’t drive it quicker. The bus is warm and comfortable. You can sit, relax and read during the journey. I really appreciate the service. There are no worries about traffic, or parking or driving in the dark. You get dropped off right at the door and arrive warm and dry. It’s a marvellous service. ”
