One of Scotland’s leading bus operators has launched a £1million investment programme designed to strengthen the company’s position within the Scottish marketplace.

Glasgow-based Scottish Citylink has been boosted by a 25% rise in passenger numbers on its flagship Glasgow to Edinburgh route, in the first six months of this year, and a 10% increase on overall figures on the same period in 2001.

Now a £200,000 TV advertising campaign - which will be aired later today (Monday, July 1st) - a £500,000 development in the company’s sales and reservation system and a £250,000 re-branding programme is underway to push passenger journeys through the three million mark.

Citylink managing director, Neil Wood said the developments would benefit existing customers and attract new ones.

"We have had a terrific start to the year thanks to a combination of buoyant passenger revenue and tight control of direct and overhead costs and feel the time is right to grow the business even further," he added:

"Citylink has not advertised on television for something like ten years. With increasing passenger numbers and signs that consumers are more prepared to take the coach, the time for a television campaign is now right.

"Research during the rail strikes earlier in the year indicated that 20% of the people who switched to us when the trains were not available would continue to travel with us.

"A lot of the new business is also from people deciding not to take the car but we also see business growth developing from new associations like our involvement with this year’s ‘T in the Park’ where we have been appointed the official shuttle bus provider. We’re also working with other carriers in terms of opening up Scotland to further tourism."

Citylink’s new television advertising campaign will be running from July to September on Scottish Television, Grampian Television, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and the company is also close to agreeing a new sponsorship deal with likely Bell’s First Division title favourites St. Johnstone.

Citylink currently employs 100 staff and recorded turnover figures for £12.2 million for the past financial year.

Issued on behalf of Citylink by the BIG Partnership.

For more information, contact Kay Pullar on 0141 333 9585.