Local MSP Brian Whittle has been discussing the future of bus services in the area with Stagecoach bosses. The South Scotland MSP met with Stagecoach West Scotland Managing Director Fiona Doherty and Business Development Director Fraser Smith to hear about the company’s plans for the area and the impact of recent changes to services, including the X76 service from Cumnock to Glasgow.
Following public concern about the loss of the direct service between Cumnock and Glasgow, Brian arranged to meet with Stagecoach to learn more about what had driven the change. Since the service was changed, people in Cumnock who want to travel to Glasgow now have to change in Kilmarnock. The move has had a mixed reception from bus users; some feel the new route takes more time and adds complication, but at the same time, more people are using the service. Stagecoach have said they’ll consider further changes if there’s public demand and have encouraged anyone who has any thoughts or ideas about the service to get in touch.
During the meeting, Brian also heard about the company’s plans to introduce electric buses in the East Ayrshire region and that a new flat fare rate in Kilmarnock was proving a hit with customers.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was really useful to meet with Stagecoach to discuss the X76 changes and their plans for the future. The changes to the Cumnock-Glasgow service have caused concern but I do understand why the company made the changes.
We had a very constructive conversation and agreed to keep in touch. It’s clear one of the most important issues for the public, is being made aware not only of changes to services, but understanding why those changes are happening and Stagecoach have agreed to increase their engagement with the public ahead of any future changes.
If anyone has any concerns they’d like to raise about their local bus services, you can contact Stagecoach directly by e-mailing – [email protected], or you can get in touch with me and I’ll speak to them on your behalf.”
Comment from Fiona Doherty, Stagecoach West Scotland Managing Director:
"We found the meeting with Brian Whittle MSP to be both constructive and informative. We are working with a number of stakeholders to ensure our services and our technology remains focused on the needs of our customers.
We always welcome feedback from our customers, the communities we serve and any other interested parties. This allows us to ensure we are not only providing the correct solutions for our current customers, but also to plan for the future. Our email address is as above and all our other contact details can be found on our buses, our timetables and on our website www.stagecoachbus.com"
