Stirling’s MSP has met with the chief executive of the region’s bus operators as complaints continue from residents about the service provided locally.
Evelyn Tweed met with McGills CEO Ralph Roberts on Wednesday morning for a crunch meeting about Stirling’s buses after the company took over control of the network from First Bus in September last year.
However, the network has still been beset with issues related to cancellations and unreliable buses, with a concerning incident in December seeing a McGills bus bursting into flames near Falleninch Farm in Stirling.
That was followed with another breakdown earlier this month when passengers were forced to evacuate a 59 bus between Callander and Stirling near Blair Drummond Safari Park after concerns over the state of the vehicle’s engine.
Passengers were then ferried to their final destination at Stirling Bus Station thanks to the efforts of a passing Citylink bus driver.
Following her meeting, Ms Tweed said on social media: “I am pleased that the general direction of travel is positive and improvements are being made.
“It was clear that McGills are aware of the current issues and are taking action.”
The service was slammed by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell in the wake of the Blair Drummond breakdown, with Mr Ruskell claiming that bus passengers were “sick to death” of the level of service being provided.
Mr Ruskell added that while there were excuses owing to the takeover of the fleet from First, that presented no excuse for the “shocking state” of buses operating on local routes - and called for a meeting with the traffic commissioner to discuss the concerns of constituents.
In response to criticisms earlier this month about delays and cancellations on local routes, McGills attributed many of the issues faced to problems inherited from First during their takeover and said the company was working “tirelessly” on improving the fleet.
The company also revealed it is planning to introduce 60 additional vehicles to serve its eastern routes – including Stirling – in the spring of this year, with reserve vehicles currently being used to plug gaps in the service as best as possible.
Replying to Ms Tweed’s post online, passengers shared their own frustrations with the current bus service.
Isabella Lowe wrote: “Sincerely hope they can get something sorted ASAP there are no reliable buses and haven’t been for far too long.
“Everybody is fed up missing work, hospital/doctor appointments, standing cold and wet at bus stops for an hour or more. I was speaking to a lady from Callander who was late for a friend’s funeral due to a bus not turning up.”
Marisa Rosie added: “They still run late and too many are still being cancelled. I missed my train to work again yesterday because the bus was late.”
