First Bus has announced a new Glasgow route running to a major shopping centre.
The X43 Express will run hourly between Motherwell and Glasgow Fort, with stops in Bellshill and Burnhead, offering direct access to the retail and leisure complex.
The new service will begin on Saturday, November 22, and is designed to improve connectivity for residents and visitors along the route, particularly during the busy summer and festive periods.
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Graeme MacFarlan, commercial director at First Bus Scotland, said: "We’re delighted to launch this new express bus service to one of the most popular attractions in Lanarkshire and the Glasgow area.
"We are confident of strong demand in the lead-up to Christmas and hope this will build bus travel habits for new customers into 2026.
"This continues our commitment to invest in services to support the local economy and connect customers enjoying retail, leisure and hospitality as well as shift workers in these sectors."
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Glasgow Fort has welcomed the investment as part of its ongoing efforts to improve access and convenience for visitors.
Phil Goodman, centre director at Glasgow Fort, said: "The new express service from First Bus will make travelling to Glasgow Fort simpler than ever, which comes at the perfect time as people start planning their festive days out.
"It’s great to see improved connections that support continued investment in the centre, making journeys easier not just for visitors but for our staff too, and helping everyone enjoy everything Glasgow Fort has to offer – from shopping for gifts to catching up over lunch or soaking up the festive atmosphere."
The X43 Express is scheduled to align with Glasgow Fort’s opening hours, with the first departure from Motherwell at 10am and the final return service leaving the centre at 6pm.
The service is also seen as a boost for shift workers and employees in the retail and hospitality sectors who rely on public transport for their daily commute.
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Maureen Burke, MP for Glasgow North East, said: "The Glasgow Fort is one of the jewels of Glasgow North East, and the new X43 service will bring even more people into the area to see what we have to offer here in Easterhouse.
"Bus services like these are vital to the community, whether it be connections to the city centre, public services or shops, and I welcome this new weekend service that will no doubt help our local economy."
Passengers can find full service details, including timetables and fare information, on the First Bus Glasgow website.
For more information, visit www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-glasgow.
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