Timetable changes hit local bus users

South Lochaber residents left at disadvantage

Recent changes to the Fort William to Oban bus timetable could have a detrimental effect on South Lochaber residents, according to bus users.

Since the new timetable came into effect at the beginning of October, there are now just two bus services a day to Oban from Fort William, a morning service at 11.30am and a 5.40pm evening service.

Members of Lochaber Transport Forum discussed the timetable change at a meeting last Friday (October 26) with some bus users complaining that the new changes would have an adverse affect on employment opportunities for residents in the Nether Lochaber, Kinlochleven and Glencoe area.

‘Two services a day to Oban – there needs to be more for the two biggest towns on the west coast,’ said bus user Donald Stewart.

‘South Lochaber residents reliant on public transport can work locally or in Fort William but can’t work in Oban and that is just not good enough, hence the requests for a better service.’

Transport Forum chairman Brian Murphy agreed with Mr Stewart that the two biggest towns on the west coast should be better connected.

‘I can’t see how it wouldn’t be profitable,’ he said.

The Fort William to Oban route – operated by West Coast Motors and Citylink – used to run three times a day and is the only direct transport link between the two towns.

Representatives from either Citylink or West Coast Motors were not in attendance at the forum meeting.

Jo Cowan, Highland Senior Citizens co-ordinator for Lochaber, said the Fort William to Oban service should be improved due its importance to Kinlochleven and Glencoe residents not only for jobs but also as a link to the Oban ferry terminal and the town’s Lorn and Islands Hospital.

She added: ‘For South Lochaber young people it opens up new employment opportunities for them and it’s also a ferry link for those using the service.’

Shiel buses managing director Donald MacGillivray responded to questions on whether his company would operate an Oban service.

He said: ‘I can’t see there being a demand for a Oban daily service and it would need to be subsidised before we know there’s the numbers to do it.’

‘Residents reliant on public transport... can’t work in Oban’