Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has stepped in to subside routes that otherwise risked being axed.
Denis McKenna, chairman of the transport body's operations committee, said: "I am delighted SPT has been able to subsidise bus services that will be of such great value to these areas."
The transport organisation awarded a large number of contracts for services in Glasgow, East and South Ayrshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, North and South Lanarkshire.
l One of the biggest contracts was for £570,800 and awarded to Stagecoach Western Buses to operate service 361 from Dunure to Ayr and Straiton.
l First Glasgow was awarded a £317,400 contract to run service 29 from Newton Mearns to Mansewood, Hillpark and the city centre.
l And Shuttle Buses won the £410,000 contract to operate service 337 between Beith and Kilmarnock via Stewarton and also journeys to and from Garnock Academy.
l Henderson Travel got the £264,000 contract for service 213A from Glasgow to Cranhill and Bargeddie.
l And McColl's Coaches was awarded £207,000 for service 84, 84A and 84B from Kirkintilloch to Waterside, Twechar and Banton.
In all there are about 50 contracts for new and existing services, while SPT also awarded 13 temporary contracts to keep services running until longer term arrangements can be made.
Mr McKenna added: "Every year, SPT commits millions of pounds to provide essential services.
"It is great news that it has been able to step in and provide public transport to these areas in the longer term.
"There are a lot of people who depend on these bus services, which are vital to local communities.
"The commercial market is contracting and public funding is becoming increasingly limited but SPT is determined to continue playing an essential role in protecting bus services in communities.
"We understand local bus services are extremely important to the people in the communities they serve.
"It is great news that SPT has been able to keep these operating."
vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk
