The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Community bus routes just the ticket as firm plans cut in services
STAGECOACH: Improved timetable in Auchterarder launched as major transport provider considers reduction
A community bus service in Auchterarder has launched an improved timetable as Stagecoach comes under increased pressure for plans to cut their routes in Perthshire.
The Town Bus Service, operated by Docherty’s Midland Coaches on behalf of Auchterarder Community Bus Group (ACBuG), has released additional routes for their 49 and 49A service in the town.
ACBuG said they are expanding their service due to its popularity with users while Stagecoach has blamed a drop in passenger numbers as the reason for cutting services.
Andrew Warrington, chairman of ACBuG, said: “Overall, we have been very happy with the way the two routes have operated, and they have proven to be reliable and popular with users.
“ACBuG has been keen to take on board feedback from both users and local residents. As a result improvements are being made to the timetables of both services which commenced on Monday.”
The move by the community organisation comes as Green MSP Mark Ruskell wrote to the Traffic Commissioner of Scotland to complain about the consultation by Stagecoach into changes the bus company want to make to a range of services affecting Perth, Crieff, Aberfeldy and the Carse of Gowrie.
Mr Ruskell said: “The way in which Stagecoach has approached this consultation is quite simply not good enough.
“Holding a short online-only consultation over the festive break minimises the opportunity for people to have their voices heard and the failure to hold any public consultation meetings risks leaving some people out of the process entirely.
“The services to Strathearn and Aberfeldy are vital for sections of the community there and these changes and reductions in service will have a significant impact.
“Instead of cutting services, operators should be looking to improve their offering and making it easier for people to get the bus.”
Scott Hall, commercial manager for Stagecoach East Scotland, claimed the timing of the consultation was impacted by the general election that took place on December 12.
Mr Hall said: “Had this not been called the consultation would have taken place three weeks earlier, but due to the rules around purdah this would have blocked council officers discussing the consultation with local councillors and as such we pushed this back at the request of council officers.
“However, we acted to ensure information was available for local elected members as soon as the election had taken place and that public consultation could commence at the earliest opportunity.”
A spokesperson for the Traffic Commissioner said they were “drafting a response” to Mr Ruskell.
Instead of cutting services, operators should be looking to improve their offering and make it easier for people to get the bus. GREEN MSP MARK RUSKELL