People power prevails as bus firm makes U-turn on Sunday service

STAGECOACH plans to reinstate its Sunday service between Fort William and Kinlochleven, it is understood.

Councillor Andrew Baxter broke the news via his social media account, Lochaber Voice, on Monday night.

He wrote: ‘There’s some fantastic news this evening. After the public outcry and over 300 residents signing my “Save our Sunday service” petition, Stagecoach has reinstated the Sunday service on Route 44 between Fort William and Kinlochleven.

‘And it gets even better,’ added Mr Baxter. ‘Stagecoach has announced it will increase the number of buses running on a Sunday to four. These will leave Fort William at 09.42, 11.42, 14.42 and 16.42, returning from Kinlochleven at 10.40, 12.40, 15.40 and 17.40. Thanks to everyone who signed the petition.’

The representative for Fort William and Ardnamurchan said he received an email on Monday night from the Highland Council’s public transport officer revealing the news and has seen a copy of the timetable.

Within a few hours, his post received more than 150 ‘likes’, shares and comments from people sharing their relief. Mr Baxter told The Oban

Times: ‘I am delighted that sense has prevailed and also amazed.

‘I am astonished, right enough, that just under a week ago Stagecoach was saying there was no way it could continue the service and now I have been told there will be an enhanced service and I have seen the timetable.

‘In the five years of me being a councillor, I think other than the fact there was going to be no increase in Corran Ferry fares, that [the Facebook post] has been the most popular post I have ever made so I think that goes to show how strongly people feel about this.’

The Oban Times contacted Stagecoach for a reaction and a representative from the company said the changes are yet to be confirmed and added that announcement would be made on the matter on April 3.

Mr Baxter added: ‘I believe they will have to make an an- nouncement sooner rather than later because the changes had been due to come into effect on April 24.’

Highland Council’s principal transport officer David Summers told The Oban Times: ‘I am pleased Stagecoach has responded to public consultation by not only restoring but increasing the level of service to Kinlochleven on Sundays.

‘I hope this service proves successful.’