Beleaguered bus passengers across Stirling are hoping for a fresh start after a new bus operator was announced for the region.
First Bus has sold its First Scotland East business and all of its routes in the area to the McGill’s Group, with the sale expected to be completed on September 19.
The move will see all depots in the wider eastern region – including those in Bannockburn, Balfron and Larbert – as well as all buses and 550 staff move to McGill’s.
The operator has been under consistent pressure to make improvements to the service provided in Stirling, with passengers regularly left frustrated and angry with a series of late-notice cancellations and unreliable timetables.
Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank our employees for their continued hard work to deliver the best experience possible for our customers across the First Scotland East business.
“We will be supporting them fully as they transfer to their new employer.
“This sale is part of a strategic refocusing of our Scottish businesses with significant investment in zero-emission buses in Glasgow and Aberdeen. We’re pleased that McGill’s, who are a trusted Scottish bus operator brand, will take the Scotland East business forward and wish them every success.”
James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Bus Group, said: “Everyone at McGill’s Group is excited about welcoming Scotland East into our stable and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Our team are passionate about using our expertise to build the business in the years ahead so we can retain and attract new passengers across the region.
“We’re pleased the opportunity has arisen to acquire the business and we appreciate the efforts of First Bus towards ensuring a smooth transition.”
The news has been greeted with enthusiasm by passengers on social media and local politicians have also expressed hopes for an improvements in bus services in Stirling.
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said: “I hope this takeover goes as smoothly as possible to ensure a reliable service for the residents of Stirling.
“I look forward to meeting with McGills as soon as possible to discuss their plans for the service in Stirling, which is relied on by many.”
Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell said: “For far too long, passengers across the Forth Valley have had to put up with ongoing problems with First East Scotland.
“Despite efforts from First Bus to improve services, we’ve still had services completely axed – like the X53 in the Hillfoots, endemic last-minute cancellations, and poor quality buses.
“On top of this, First hiked up their fares earlier this year, without any tangible benefit to passengers. Change can’t come too quick for communities across the region.
“I’ve asked to meet with McGill’s urgently to better understand their plans for operating services in Scotland East, protections for transferring staff, and how they plan to restore passenger confidence in services.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Alexander Stewart added: “I am extremely encouraged at the news of this acquisition, especially with reports that all existing colleagues working for First Scotland East will move to work for McGill’s.
“With McGill’s being an historic operator in Scotland who have been rightly described as a ‘safe pair of hands,’ I welcome reports that our much-needed routes are to be retained as they are a lifeline for many of our residents.
“However, I will be keeping a close eye on developments, especially as the more rural areas of Stirlingshire can ill-afford any further dilution of services.”
What are your thoughts on the changes? Contact stuart.mcfarlane@reachplc.com.
