Left Blue as bus stops
In news that will concern commuters, all services run by Blue Bus in Shotts are to be axed before the end of the year.
As of December 20, the 701, 77 and 71 services from Shotts to Harthill and Livingston will no longer be operational.
The services are currently run by the Blue Bus Company.
Graeme Law, operations director at Blue Bus, told the Wishaw Press:“The decision has been taken to cancel the 71,701 and 77 due to them no longer being commercially viable.
“It is a decision we have not taken lightly as these services have taken years to build-up and huge investment.”
However, John Leckie, a member of Shotts community council, hit out at news of the cancellations.
He said:“As the only bus service and direct link to the east of Shotts and neighbouring districts through to Livingston it will be more than disappointing, it will be a devastating blow to people reliant on the service for work purposes.
“The east side of the town will become isolated and cut off as will members of the public from elsewhere wanting to travel to Shotts.”
Shotts MSP has promised constituents he will do all he can to help.
The Airdrie & Shotts representative said: ““Given the recent announcement, my office promptly contacted Blue Bus to clarify the situation regarding the services.
“They advised that decision to cut all their routes was purely a commercial decision due to the presence of Lothian Buses and First Bus.
“Neil Gray [Airdrie & Shotts MP] and I will be meeting with Blue Bus to discuss the situation further and see if there is anything we can do.”