Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Anger grows over cuts to Stagecoach bus services
PERTHSHIRE politicians are set to hold a series of public meetings in the Carse of Gowrie about the proposed cuts to Stagecoach bus services in Perth and Kinross.
John Swinney, Perthshire North MSP, and Pete Wishart, North Perthshire MP, will listen to the concerns of constituents and hear about the effect that any cuts will have on Carse communities.
It comes after Stagecoach East Scotland revealed a proposed new timetable for the end of April and admitted the changes will leave some passengers “disappointed”.
The plans include scrapping the X7 which connects several parts of the Carse of Gowrie with Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) and Ninewells Hospital.
The public meetings will be held on March 4 in Errol Village Hall between 7pm-8pm, March 7 at the Maddoch Centre in St Madoes from 6pm-7pm and Bullionfield Hall in Invergowrie from 7.30pm-8.30pm.
Mr Swinney said: “I was concerned to see the list of proposed cuts to local bus services that Stagecoach has published.
“Although a number of communities across Perth and Kinross will be affected, most seriously impacted will be those in the Carse of Gowrie.
“The villages between Perth and Dundee will effectively be left without a daytime bus stopping in their local communities.
“I have already received a large number of representations from constituents, who are horrified by the proposals.
“That is why Pete Wishart and I have arranged three public meetings to be held next week. These meetings will give local residents the chance to express their concerns and let Stagecoach know, in no uncertain terms, that the communities of the Carse of Gowrie deserve better.”
Mr Wishart said: “These Stagecoach timetable changes will come as terrible news to my constituents, particularly in the Carse of Gowrie, which could be left without any daytime bus service.
“Such cuts would disproportionately impact rural and elderly households who are already at greater risk of social isolation, as well as low-income households in this midst of a cost-ofliving crisis.
“Maintaining regular, affordable public transport across Perth and Kinross is absolutely vital, which is a point we will be making strongly to Stagecoach, and hearing your views will assist us in doing that.”
Stagecoach said passenger number has fallen after the pandemic, saying bus use was “21% below pre-pandemic levels”.
The company said: “While we’ve concentrated on serving the busiest routes and journeys, we know these proposals may cause disappointment within some communities.”
The proposed new timetable would come into effect on April 29.
Locals were angered by the news of the cuts, describing them as “appalling” and “unacceptable”.
Glendoick Garden Centre was among those to criticise the plans.
A post on Facebook said: “Stagecoach are proposing to cut ALL services between Perth and Dundee calling at intermediate villages.
“The only way to prevent this is an outcry. Glendoick workers use these services every day.
“Customers, tourists use these services. People who live here use these services.”
Mr Swinney has encouraged constituents to direct their concerns to Stagecoach by completing the feedback form.
It is available at: email.stagecoachbus. co.uk/p/50SA-FB5/2024-east-scotlandconsultation
Deadline to submit is March 10.