Bus firm under fire from passengers
First should‘hang head in shame’for rural service
Bus passengers have spoken out against figures which show more people are satisfied with services than before.
The Observer reported last week that figures from the Transport Focus Bus Passenger Survey show that 88 per cent of First Scotland East users were happy with the operator – compared with 86 per cent in 2015.
Approval ratings on value for money increased by 11 per cent to 60 per cent while 80 per cent were said to be satisfied with journey times and 90 per cent were happy with their bus driver.
However a number of people have since claimed that the impressive figures do not reflect their thoughts, with concerns over pricing and journey times.
Gartmore woman Janey Fleming said: “Passengers from the western villages of Stirling have since August 2016 faced massive cuts to timetables – leaving vulnerable passengers with journey times of 10-plus hours to attend routine hospital appointments often on damp, rickety buses with no heating or suspension.
“Apart from the excellent drivers who serve the villages covered by the Balfron depot, First Bus should hold their heads in shame at the way they have treated rural passengers.
“It is very easy to release statistics to appease shareholders, however the reality experienced by regular passengers in rural Stirling is quite a different story and one that should be investigated.”
Robert Forshaw said on the Observer Facebook page: “Garbage service. If I want to go to Larbert Royal from Cowie it’s a two bus journey costing just short of £6 one-way – and it’s only four miles from Cowie to Larbert. Plus, going to Stirling is now an epic as we go via every street in either Hillpark or Braehead.”
Jean Ann Griffiths posted: “You should live in Cambusbarron – worst service ever. I had an appointment at hospital, to get there in time had to leave house at 8.10am didn’t get home until 3.45pm because of buses.”
And Alex Speed agreed, adding: “Cambusbarron has the worst bus service in Stirling. Cowie on the other hand has six or seven buses per hour.”
James J Kean added: “The bus service in Cambusbarron is a disgrace.”
The initial survey results come after the watchdog asked 4000 passengers for their views between September 5 and December 18.
A First Scotland East spokesperson said: “While we are pleased with the passenger satisfaction results, we are always striving to improve our services and this involves constantly listening to the views of customers and stakeholders.
“Our recent price freeze on mobile tickets, simplifying our zonal ticket structure and lower fares initiatives are just some of the ways we have responded to that feedback.
“We note the concerns raised with the Stirling Observer about specific services but we would remind readers that it has proved difficult to operate a full commercial service through Cambusbarron due to low passenger numbers.
“There is also the additional problem of parked cars on the route, which has caused operational difficulties for us and is an issue the council is working hard with us to resolve.
He added: “We also tried to run a direct link between Cowie and Larbert in the past and a similar attempt was made by Stirling Council through a subsidised service, but both services also suffered from low passenger numbers.”