Bus passengers evacuated after burning smell alert
Calls for action after second such incident
Passengers were evacuated from a Stirling bus for the second time in two months amid fears that the vehicle may go on fire.
Pictures emerged on social media on Saturday afternoon of the stranded Mcgill’s bus on the side of the road near Blair Drummond Safari Park, with a fire engine on the scene as steam billowed from the bus’s overheating engine.
There were no injuries reported following the incident, which took place on the 59 service between Callander and Stirling, with the driver quickly pulling over after smelling burning from under the bonnet.
A passenger told the Observer that a Citylink coach driver then picked up the stranded passengers to complete their journey on to Stirling Bus Station.
The incident follows on from a bus fire last month, which saw a Mcgill’s bus forced to pull into the side of the road near Falleninch Farm in Stirling after the back of the vehicle caught on fire.
In response, a Mcgill’s spokesperson said the steam arose from a decision to douse the engine bay in case something developed from the overheating engine - but stressed the vehicle didn’t go on fire.
The spokesperson added: “We can confirm that one of our buses broke down on Saturday, with passengers requested by the driver to disembark at Blair Drummond.
“A fault developed in the vehicle’s engine due to a failed turbo charger.
“As a precaution, a fire crew was called and applied water to the engine bay which generated a significant amount of steam.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers who were on this service and we appreciate the patience shown by them.”
It has prompted one MSP to call for a probe from the Traffic Commissioner into the service provided by Mcgill’s - with the company accused of “blanking” concerns raised over recent months.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said: “Quite frankly, people are sick to death of these buses and the level of service.
“Mcgill’s might have inherited the fleet last year from First Bus when they took over local routes, but that is no excuse for the shocking state of some of the buses running on the roads today.
“Basic fleet standards and levels of service are required under Mcgill’s license to operate these routes and the Traffic Commissioner must now step in.
“I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Commissioner to discuss this incident and the many other issues that constituents have contacted me about.”
“Mcgill’s have so far blanked concerns I have raised with them over many months, simply ignoring correspondence.
“While I had disagreements with First they always met face to face and were constructive with myself and community representatives, Mcgill’s have just ignored us.”
Meanwhile, Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said: “I am concerned to hear of this incident, and I am relieved that everyone is safe.
“I commend the quick thinking of both the passengers and the driver in raising the alarm and evacuating the bus.
“It is of utmost importance that constituents are able to use public transport safely.
“This is the second bus incident locally within as many months, on each occasion I have reached out to Mcgill’s and received assurances that the incidents will be fully investigated in a transparent manner including the involvement of the vehicle standards agency, DVSA, who will carry out their own independent inspections of their vehicles.
“I am also aware that Mcgill’s are investing heavily in improving their bus fleet with new buses expected to enter the service in March.
“I will continue dialogue with Mcgill’s to see improvements made to ensure buses across Stirling are both safe and reliable for all passengers.”