A scheme involving St Andrews University offering 75% discount to students and staff is to be extended into a second year, with local operator Moffat and Williamson joining Stagecoach as partners.
The project, which has led to £700,000 in passenger savings, is open to those not eligible for Scotland’s free travel for under-22s scheme.
Family-run Moffat and Williamson, which runs four services through St Andrews, will offer the same fare reduction as Stagecoach.
George Devine, Moffat and Williamson Managing Director, says: “We are delighted to be involved in the scheme and extend the discount to staff and students living in more rural areas. We hope this will encourage them to use local bus services and leave their cars at home.”
The University has focused on the scheme’s environmental impact of reducing car traffic in the town, citing 614 tonnes of CO2 savings so far.
University of St Andrews Chief Operating Officer Derek Watson adds: “The bus subsidy was just one in a series of initiatives launched by the University to support our students and staff through the cost-of-living crisis. Since then, we’ve seen upwards of 2000 people, mostly staff, using the bus discount every month, and the feedback we’ve had is that it’s really helped cut costs in these challenging times.
“The University has made, and continues to deliver significant investment in this scheme, and we know it’s really benefitting people, particularly those who live furthest from St Andrews.
“Initiatives show that while St Andrews may be Scotland’s first and oldest university, we are also at the forefront of driving innovation that has far-reaching benefits as well as taking serious steps towards meeting strategic objectives including our ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2035.”
