DUNOON residents travelling to hospital appointments in Inverclyde can now avoid expensive taxi journeys thanks to a new direct bus service from Gourock Railway Station.
McGill’s new 540 service, which launched on Monday provides a much-needed connection between Gourock town centre and Inverclyde Hospital.
For Cowal residents crossing the Clyde by ferry for appointments, the new route means they can now catch a bus directly to the hospital instead of paying for a taxi or arranging alternative transport.
The service follows a lengthy campaign by Gourock Community Council, which has been working with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to highlight gaps in local public transport provision.
Although the campaign was driven by concerns in Gourock, the new link is also expected to benefit patients travelling from Dunoon and the wider Cowal area.
In September, Gourock Community Council announced that its efforts had helped secure funding for the route.
The service is being supported by Scottish Government funding through the Transport to Employment Programme, allowing it to operate for an initial 21-week trial.
However, its long-term future remains uncertain.
The funding is due to run out on March 27, 2027, with no commitment from SPT to continue the service into the next financial year.
Campaigners are now hoping passengers will make full use of the route during the trial period to demonstrate the demand for a permanent connection.
Gourock Community Council is also encouraging passengers to provide feedback on the service, which could help shape future improvements.
