Bus service improvements between Dundee, Forfar, Brechin and Edzell will come into effect on Monday.
The extended route will make new public transport links possible, particularly connecting Dundee and Angus residents with Stracathro Hospital.
Stagecoach managing director Andrew Jarvis said: “An opportunity has arisen to make a number of improvements in the Angus area on services 20 and 21.
“The revised timetables will be improved to ensure new public transport links will be possible for residents.
“The newly branded vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible and benefit from CCTV, free wi-fi and ‘green’ Euro 5 engines.
“With one branded buses operating in services 20/21 the routes will be easily recognisable.”
Services 20 and 21 are part financially supported by Angus Council and additionally supported by transport partnerships Tactran and Nestrans.
Service 21 operates between Forfar and Edzell but will extend to Dundee.
Most service 20 journeys operate between Dundee and Forfar will be revised to operate as an extended service 21 to and from Edzell, Stracathro Hospital and Brechin, providing new direct links between Dundee and these areas.
The frequency between Dundee and Forfar will be maintained.
The new timetable will provide a 30-minute frequency of service between Dundee and Forfar and an hourly link between Dundee and Edzell.
Angus Council’s transport spokeswoman Jeanette Gaul said: “The council is delighted to support Stagecoach Strathtay’s new services 20 and 21.
“This replacement bus service provides better public transport links to Stracathro Hospital from Angus and Dundee.
“The change in this service also allows adjustments to be made that enhance other local services, including those to Easterbank and Edzell Woods.”
Stuart Keys, clinical services manager with NHS Tayside, said: “This new bus service will provide a very important link for patients and their families and friends.
“Stracathro is a busy hospital that provides a wide range of planned care.
“Having a daily service from Dundee is a great step forward and will help to patients from Tayside and Fife to organise their travel.
“We are delighted that Angus Council has supported this new service.”
Full timetable information for the routes are available to download at www.stagecoachbus.com.
Photo by Angus Pictures