CAB took part in national review over bus problems

Airdrie Citizens’Advice Bureau (CAB) contributed to a nationwide review highlighting the daily challenges for bus passengers.

Input from local travellers contributed to the study carried out by bureaux across the country, which they say is“the biggest piece of research ever carried out into Scotland’s bus network”.

The report, entitled Round the Bend, includes 10 journeys completed in the Monklands area and highlights that connections to Monkland Hospitals from the North Lanarkshire town of Croy nine miles away take over an hour, while students travelling to New College Lanarkshire from Shotts and Harthill face journeys of more than an hour.

It also found that changes to route numbers are not always well publicised, some bus stops are poorly maintained and lack shelter for those waiting in bad weather.

Airdrie CAB manager Aaliya Seyal said:“The bus network in North Lanarkshire plays a vital role in keeping its citizens moving and accessing essential services.

“However, with this report we’ve highlighted specific examples of where access can be difficult due to sparse timetables and expensive ticket prices.

“While some services in the larger towns can be frequent and relatively affordable, in more rural parts of North Lanarkshire we’ve found communities that contend with long journey times and poor connections.

“For example, we found New College Lanarkshire students spending as much as £8.40 for a return ticket, and while some receive a discount or funding, this still represents a significant cost for those already struggling to make ends meet.

“Right across the North Lanarkshire network, we also found that price information was not available upfront at bus stops or on operators websites, which made it difficult for consumers to plan and budget properly.”

The report also noted that Strathclyde Passenger Transport spent more than £11m on bus subsidies last year, equating to £5.89 per adult; the the Scottish average of £10.67.