Bus boss in pledge to improve

First have assured Stirling’s MSP that the standard of buses used for a service between Balfron and Stirling is set to improve.

Bruce Crawford had been contacted by constituents concerned that the X10 commercial service was failing to cater for passengers, particularly those with disabilities.

One said:“There are passengers with serious health conditions who have hospital appointments that they cannot access because of this vehicle. Others continue to avoid the service in the fear that they will fall.

“An elderly lady stumbled trying to get up the stairs while boarding the coach. There was no heating. The floor was slippy. The bell for indicating which stop you need was not accessible but high up near the ceiling - out of reach. Able-bodied passengers are also finding it difficult to board and exit from this vehicle - particularly if carrying bags.

“We are told to use rural buses or lose them yet this operator is running a bus which many residents on the route will not be able to use it purely on grounds of access.”

However, in response to a letter from Mr Crawford raising constituents’issues, managing director of First, Andrew Jarvis, said:“I would like to reassure you that we are continuing to explore an option that will replace the existing coach on these journeys with a seat-belted double decker bus that will enable the bus to fulfil the existing school contract commitments alongside the commercial journeys on service X10.

“While we can’t be more exact on the timeframe for this, it is an ongoing process that we hope to deliver as soon as possible.

“Please extend our apologies to your constituents for any inconvenience that this has caused when travelling with First Midland.”

Mr Crawford said:“I am encouraged by the response from First Bus that they are exploring options for a replacement of the existing coach on the X10 route. Local passengers rightfully expect a high standard when it comes to transport, and part of providing a modern service must include measures taken to improve accessibility.”