Council meet bus operator over #31 service
South Lanarkshire Council say they have had “constructive”discussions with First Bus over the future of the #31 service.
We told you previously how residents in Stewartfield would be left with no access to buses after First Glasgow axed the lifeline service from its timetable.
The bus operators confirmed they would permanently cut the lifeline 31 bus through East Kilbride with immediate effect – the only one that serves residents there.
The announcement saw a fierce backlash from local residents and politicians, with two petitions being launched to save the service.
This week the council’s chief executive and other senior officers met with First to discuss both the #31 and X1 bus routes that are set to be scrapped.
A council spokesman said:“It was a constructive discussion.
“First Bus explained the commercial difficulties in maintaining the routes, while the council expressed its hope that key services could be maintained for local residents.
“Discussions are ongoing with First Bus and others. As part of this, the council is arranging a further meeting so that various interested parties, including local politicians, can have an active part in the discussion.”
Independent councillor David Watson has slammed First for“refusing to reinstate”the #31 service, claiming some of his constituents are even considering moving due to the dire public transport links in the area.
He accused First of having a“track record”of abandoning communities, questioning where the“massive government subsidies”they receive go.
He added:“Ten years ago First Bus withdrew the 31 service from Mossneuk and now they are completely withdrawing the route from East Kilbride and leaving the residents of Stewartfield without a bus service.
“If First Bus do not reinstate this service SPT need to set up a local service similar to the M1 provided in Mossneuk following the previous decision of First Bus.
“In particular, elderly and disabled residents are being affected by this decision. I have even heard that some residents are intending to sell their house and move to other areas so that they can access a bus service.
“I am hearing of residents in Stewartfield who are likely to become housebound due the this appalling decision by First Bus.”
First Glasgow said its position hadn’t changed after previously stating the services were no longer viable but a meeting with stakeholders was due to be held.