The results of a survey identifying problems with the region’s under-fire bus service have been shared with bosses at the operator after gaining more than 600 responses.
The survey – commissioned by Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Evelyn Tweed – is designed to inform future improvements to the service, which has faced common issues around late cancellations and the lack of available services.
A total of 626 people responded to the survey and were asked to give information such as how often they used the bus, the condition of the bus fleet and the pricing on services.
Among the key areas identified by those who engaged included reliability, frequency, cheaper fares, more direct routes, and availability of seats – with the introduction of new routes also mooted by respondents.
A report will now be presented to McGills – who took over as operators after First Bus sold its First Scotland East business which was hampered by cancellations – in an effort to inform improvements to bus services in Stirling.
Mr Smith said: “Bus services across Stirling had reached a new low point in recent years, with the impact of the pandemic straining an already creaking system.
“Now under new management, this is our opportunity to work collectively across the public and private sector to rebuild a bus service fit for the needs of Stirling.
“I’m grateful to everyone who responded to our survey, and know that McGill’s will take the feedback on during their business transformation. Increasing public transport use is key to tackling climate change, and there’s an important job ahead in restoring this key service.”
Ms Tweed added: “As a constituency with a big rural area, public transport is a lifeline and it’s vital that the bus service meets the needs of the population.
“Improving public transport infrastructure will reduce our impact on the environment and help with climate change targets. I was delighted by the large, engaged and positive response this survey received, and want to express my gratitude to the people that took the time to respond.
“I look forward to working with McGills to improve the service.”
Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGills Group, said: “This survey has been extremely helpful and McGill’s are grateful to Evelyn Tweed MSP and Alyn Smith MP for conducting this.
“The survey confirms what we understood to be the case prior to our acquisition of the business and is also aligned to our plan for the area.
“There are significant headwinds in the shape of the economic realities but we are making good progress with our plan and the bus users of the wider Stirling area will be starting to experience the evidence of this progress.”
Meanwhile, alongside the survey, a ‘virtual summit’ offering constituents the chance to discuss issues directly with stakeholders including Stagecoach, bus passenger representatives, and campaigners also took place.
The event attracted 50 locals affected by disruption from areas including Drymen and Balfron.
Following the summit, the organiser, Green Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell, said: “Over the past months I’ve heard from so many of my constituents about their frustration with local bus services – from reliability and timetabling, to affordability and the quality of vehicles.
“I was delighted to see such an amazing response to our virtual summit with folks sharing their experiences of bus services where they live and their vision for improvements. It was a good chance for bus companies to hear directly from their customers and commit to improvements.
“There was good discussion about issues such as Demand Responsive Transport and the potential role of community-run services in more rural areas.
“It was disappointing that McGills were unable to join us for the discussion, however, I will be writing to them in the coming week to share the important representations from my constituents.
“Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth also said that she wants to receive a report on the meeting. Everyone across Scotland deserves a reliable, affordable and accessible bus service.”
