Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Hospital bus cut ‘reprehensible’
A FORMER councillor, who helped set up a Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) to Ninewells bus link, has called Stagecoach’s proposed withdrawal of the X7 service connecting the Perth and Dundee hospitals “reprehensible”.
Twenty years ago, Willie Wilson – who worked as a project manager for the health service – developed the outline business plan for the inter-hospital bus service.
Following a meeting between Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) chief executive, Thomas Glen, and Stagecoach chief operating officer, Sam Greer, on Friday, PKC announced “they agreed no changes to services, other than the X7, will be introduced before May 27”.
On February 27, Stagecoach proposed a raft of cuts to its services in Perth and Kinross due to come into force from April 29. Passengers had 12 days to take part in the consultation which closed on Sunday. Last Wednesday, PKC called on Stagecoach to rethink its timetable change proposals.
Stagecoach has now delayed implementing any timetable changes until May 27 with the exception of the X7. The X7 Coastrider runs from Aberdeen to Perth. Stagecoach has proposed withdrawing the section of the X7 service which runs between Perth and Dundee “due to low demand”.
The bus operator said: “Alternative services between Perth City Centre and Dundee via the A90 are provided by Scottish Citylink service M8 on a similar frequency to the current X7 timetable.”
However, regular bus user and former Liberal Democrat Perth City South councillor, Willie Wilson said: “The proposal to withdraw the hospital bus between PRI and Ninewells flies in the face of common sense and equity.
“Twenty years ago, when I worked as a project manager for the health service, I developed the outline business plan for the inter-hospital bus service. The aim was to introduce a rapid-transit process for medical records and other essential items and at the same time give easy access for patients, outpatients, visitors and staff between PRI and Ninewells.
“The early bus service worked very well. Unfortunately, Stagecoach introduced totally unsuitable buses when the X7 service was introduced. This saga continues. Instead of scrapping the hospital bus, Stagecoach should accept their social and moral responsibilities and retain the hourly service and reintroduce a low-level, accessible bus to the route.”
He added: “It’s reprehensible that the X7 service is to be cut without really much consultation. I think to delay the others and not to delay it is even more reprehensible. Alongside the 16, it’s one of the most-used services. It affects patients going to outpatient clinics, visitors and staff. It would be a huge loss.”
The Carse of Gowrie looks to be the worst affected in Perth and Kinross by Stagecoach’s proposals.
Carse of Gowrie Conservative councillor, Angus Forbes, said: “I am pleased that the council’s chief executive has managed to persuade Stagecoach to extend the timescale by a month; this will allow a little more time to try and find a solution to this huge problem.
“Without doubt, this has been the biggest issue I have dealt with since I was elected seven years ago.
“The Carse is an expanding area and new residents are telling me that they moved here partly due to the regular bus services and many are now considering selling up and moving elsewhere.”
Labour Carse of Gowrie councillor, Alasdair Bailey, said: “My hope and wish is that this additional time allows for a compromise to be found that ends with the Carse still retaining some shape of bus service. Without it, there will be hundreds of people left at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to accessing healthcare, education and work, not to mention visiting friends and family.
“The additional time is a really positive sign that a constructive dialogue is now ongoing and I thank Stagecoach for coming to the table.”
Stagecoach East Scotland managing director, Douglas Robertson, said: “We had a constructive discussion with Perth and Kinross Council on Friday March 8, outlining our original proposals and the cost pressures to continue operating several lossmaking routes.
“The delayed start date for any service revisions in Perth and Kinross will allow for further analysis of the options in the hope that we can continue to provide positive public transport links – and use the feedback received from the community through our online consultation to shape any adjustments to the proposals.”