Launch of Orkney Community Connect Services - trial bus services for South Ronaldsay and Airport Timetable ‘Gap’.

Two new accessible bus services will launch next week on a trial basis following external Scottish Government grant funding to purchase two new electric buses. 

The Kirkwall Airport Service 4D will operate between the Kirkwall Travel Centre, Balfour Hospital and Kirkwall Airport on a Monday to Thursday afternoon during term time, thereby filling the existing timetable ‘gap’ that currently exists on the Service 4 Airport Bus.   

The Service 4D will depart Kirkwall Travel Centre at 1515 and 1545 and will then depart from Kirkwall Airport at 1530 and 1600.  The additional service has been welcomed by inter island residents, providing improved connectivity to and from inter-island air services.  

Existing scheduled public bus services are timetabled around school times, meaning some timetable gaps do exist.  There are therefore challenges in connecting with inter-island air services in the afternoon during term time.   

The Service 4D will commence on Monday 24 March following recent approval from the Traffic Commissioner.  The service will be operated on a trial basis during 2025/26 initially with funding from Scottish Government, match funded through the Council’s Sustainable and Green Transport Fund, established through bus passenger fare income. 

The Service 988 will provide an on-demand service in and around South Ronaldsay on Fridays and Saturdays between 0740hrs and 1830hrs on a trial basis with effect from Friday 28 March. 

The 988 service has been established following feedback from the community to provide bus services in the South Ronaldsay area, where there are currently no services in operation.  The trial will provide connectivity to St Margaret’s Hope for key services and will also connect with the X1 bus service for onwards travel to Kirkwall or Stromness. 

The 988 service has also been funded through external grant funding which has been match funded through the Sustainable and Green Transport Fund. 

Both services will be operated under the service name ‘Orkney Community Connect’ using a 7-seater plus wheelchair accessible vehicle.  National Entitlement and Young Scot Card holders can travel free of charge on the service. 

Continuation of the trials will be subject to demand and budget availability going forward.  

Booking for the Service 988 must be made in advance by calling, texting or WhatsApping    Alternatively, contact Dial a Bus on 01856 870340 or 871515 for assistance.  Booking is also advisable for the Service 4D due to limited capacity however is not essential as this is a timetabled service.

More information on bus timetables can be found at www.orkney.gov.uk/transport