Drumsagard to Cathkin High Bus Service
JMB Travel is launching a Drumsagard to Cathkin High bus service (S21) for the start of term time in August, after working with Councillor Walter Brogan and Michael Shanks MP to bring back a school transport route for the local community.
Free school transport eligibility was changed from a 2-mile to a 3-mile radius for secondary pupils in South Lanarkshire ahead of the start of the 2025–26 school year to align with national guidelines and save costs.
Students at Cathkin High School who live in areas like Drumsagard between the 2-3mile threshold have missed out on free bus travel this past year as a result.
Michael Shanks (MP for Rutherglen) and Walter Brogan (Councillor for Cambuslang East) worked with JMB Travel and and South Lanarkshire Council’s Educations Team to ensure a new route will be in place for the 13 August after the new schools service registration was accepted by the Traffic Commissioner.
This news will come as an immense relief to both students and parents who have tirelessly raised the issue.
The trial will see two double decker buses running from Drumsagard to Cathkin High. The service will start at 8:15am, and return at 16:00 on Monday/Tuesday, and 15:10 on Wednesday/ Thursday/ Friday. Full details of the route will be published by JMB Travel.
Students will need their under-22 concession pass to board the bus, or if they do not have it, they can purchase a £1.70 single or a £3.00 Child Day ticket. Information on how to apply for that pass can be found here - https://www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel/under-22s-free-bus-travel/.
Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen, said: “I’m delighted that this bus service will be in place for the start of the school year. I’ve spoken to dozens of residents at street surgeries, drop-ins, and over email about just how big a difference free school transport makes to their children’s experience at school. It is great to see a commercial bus company step in and act in the interests of the local community. Huge credit has to go to Councillor Walter Brogan too for keeping the pressure up on behalf of the students who have been affected.”
Cllr Walter Brogan said: “This is fantastic news for communities in and around Cambuslang East. Since the school transport eligibility changes were first communicated two years ago, I’ve worked together with partners on various solutions to support students who attend Cathkin High. It is great to see this proposal approved, I look forward to seeing how the trial works in practice and will continue to liaise with JMB Travel, Education Officers and the High School to ensure the service is in best possible place throughout the school year.”
Martin Bell, Managing Director of JMB Travel said "We are excited to launch this new school service after the success of the other services we introduced last year. As a community-focused, family-owned bus company, we were made aware of the difficulties Cathkin High pupils living in Drumsagard had in trying to travel to and from school, by Councillor Walter Brogan and Michael Shanks MP. Together we have liaised with South Lanarkshire Council's Education Department to bring this new service to life, and we hope the new bus will be welcomed by Drumsagard residents. We are confident that the new service will be a success and look forward to welcoming our new customers onboard from the 13th August".