First Bus invests in new express service to Glasgow Fort

First Bus is investing in a new express service to support the thousands of shoppers and visitors to the Glasgow Fort retail and leisure complex.

Its X43 Express will operate hourly journeys at weekends, beginning on Saturday 22 November, improving connectivity for people living along the route from Motherwell, Bellshill and Burnhead to Glasgow Fort.

The new service is being introduced at a key time as the appeal of Glasgow Fort continues to grow in the lead up to Christmas.

Graeme MacFarlan, Commercial Director of 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.”

Local MPs, Maureen Burke and Frank McNally joined First Bus at Glasgow Fort to support the announcement of the service.

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.”

The X43 has been aligned with Glasgow Fort’s opening times, operating from Motherwell at 10:00am with the last service from the complex at 6:00pm.

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.”

Full details of the service can be found on the First Bus website https://www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-glasgow

To plan a visit to Glasgow Fort, visit:  https://www.glasgowfort.com/

Picture captions:

First Bus 1,2 & 3: Driver Roger Steen, who will provide route training for colleagues, chats with (left) Graeme MacFarlan, MPs Jack McNally and Maureen Burke and Nathan Arbuckle of Glasgow Fort.

First Bus 4,5 & 6: Graeme MacFarlan (left) greets, MPs Jack McNally, Maureen Burke and Nathan Arbuckle of Glasgow Fort.

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