The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Users critical of Stagecoach cancellations
Perth residents say they have been left feeling “vulnerable” and fearing for their jobs as scores of Stagecoach buses are being cancelled every day.
The Perth-based firm insists it is working to employ more staff.
Caira Martin, a social care officer, said: “The buses have had most services cancelled for a few weeks now, and with the work I do, getting to and from work is essential as I work in social care and have to support people.
“I would walk, but sadly as a lone woman at night I don’t feel safe doing that.”
Bus user Betty Johnson, 69, said: “It’s putting me off going out and about, which isn’t what I want.
“I have always been really independent, and this is taking that away.”
Mikey MacKay, 38, said: “It’s frustrating, especially with the trains also being an issue at the minute.
“I can’t rely on either mode of transport.
“I understand that driver shortages can’t be helped, but something needs to be done. This is really disrupting people’s daily lives.”
Another customer said: “It’s a pain getting to and from anywhere right now.
“You can never tell if the bus is actually going to show up or not, it’s a bit of a mess.”
Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey said: “We need to keep the buses running well if we’re to both tackle climate change and help folk out in this current cost of living crisis.
“Otherwise, I worry that folk will give up on the bus and buy more cars as a result of the low reliability – and then it’s a number of years before you can tempt that person back to the bus.”
Bus services in Fife and Angus, along with some running through Dundee, are also being affected.
Brechin councillor Gavin Nicol said: “I am aware that the shortages will cause a problem to a number of residents and they may not be aware of it yet.
“I have heard from a number of people who travel to Laurencekirk by bus that there is no service from Brechin and that they have to travel to Montrose and wait up to an hour for the bus.”
A spokesman for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We are continuing to run more than 99% of our services as normal and where services are impacted, we will let people know through our website and Twitter with as much notice as possible.
“We are actively recruiting for trainee and qualified bus drivers and also have a number of drivers progressing through our training school at present.
“It’s vital to take the time to ensure all new drivers reach the high level of professional standards we expect.
“That means those new drivers will not be out on the road for some weeks.
“To apply for one of our vacancies, please visit stagecoachbus.com,” he said.