‘Let’s hope bus upgrade will benefit Balfron’

Dear Editor Passengers were delighted to read in last Friday’s Observer about the proposed upgrade of eight buses in the Balfron Fleet, particularly as a similar interior refurbishment was proposed on the five locally-branded Discovery Buses featured in the Observer last year, which never materialised.

Unlike the Discovery Buses, branded with illustrations of local villages but which are often seen on routes east of Stirling, we hope the eight upgrades will actually serve the Balfron area as suggested.

It is also hoped that this upgrade will include addressing major issues such as water ingress, suspension and lack of heating in winter.

First Bus operate a cascade system and the Balfron Depot is at the lowest end of that system hence most buses that arrive at the depot are already “old and tired”.

Rural journey times tend to be considerably longer than urban ones adding to the burden on these old vehicles. Add to this expensive fares, difficult connections and the condition of rural roads and it is understandable why more people do not use public transport.

While we appreciate new vehicles are unlikely to ever make their way to the Balfron Depot we do hope this upgrade is the start of a new commitment by First Bus to the Balfron area and to rural public transport in general.

Valerie Brand By email