Bus passengers travelling to and from Borders General Hospital can now benefit from a safer and more welcoming waiting area following improvements to the hospital’s bus stop.
Bus passengers travelling to and from Borders General Hospital can now benefit from a safer and more welcoming waiting area following improvements to the hospital’s bus stop.
New facilities
The newly constructed bus stop features a larger, well-lit shelter and improved lighting, creating a more open and comfortable environment for people waiting for buses.
A wider plaza area outside the hospital has also improved access to and from the site, providing more space for passengers as well as preventing people waiting for buses - from obstructing footways.
A new information screen is also due to be installed within the next couple of months, giving passengers clearer and more up-to-date information on bus services.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders
“These improvements will make a real difference to people travelling by bus, whether they are attending appointments, visiting family and friends or travelling to work.
“The larger shelter and improved lighting will provide a safer and more welcoming place to wait, while the wider plaza will make it easier for people to access the hospital without obstructing footways.
“Once installed, the new information screen will also help passengers access clearer and more up-to-date information about their bus services.
“The project is an important step in making public transport more accessible and improving the experience for people travelling to the hospital.”
Andrew Bone, Director of Finance at NHS Borders
“We’re delighted to see these improvements completed at the Borders General Hospital. We know that coming to hospital can sometimes be a challenging or worrying time, so anything we can do to make that experience a little easier is welcome.
“The new facilities provide a safer, brighter and more comfortable place for those travelling by bus, while also improving the area around the hospital entrance. We’re pleased to have worked with Scottish Borders Council to support these improvements.”
UK Government funded
The £315,000 project was funded by the UK Government and administered by Scottish Borders Council.
Main construction works were completed in mid-August, with the site reopening to the public and bus services at the beginning of September.
Minor works, including landscaping and installation of the information screen, were completed in October.