The state of bus services across Stirling have once again been put in the spotlight by a pair of local politicians.
Regular cancellations across the local network have been a source of frustration for passengers, with issues including Brexit and the Covid pandemic blamed by operators First Bus for staffing shortages earlier this year.
The issue has now picked up steam once again after First Group, the parent company of First Bus in Scotland, announced bumper profits of £226m this year - prompting a Green MSP to urge greater investment in Stirling’s bus network.
Mid Scotland and Fife representative Mark Ruskell said the rise in profits came in the wake of regular concerns from communities over the “frequent” cancellation of service in the area, including on “lifeline routes”.
Mr Ruskell added: “The frequent cancellation of First Bus services across Stirling has been an ongoing saga for local residents, with folks left stranded at bus stops for hours, unsure whether their service will eventually arrive.
“Earlier this year, First Bus increased their fares for their East Scotland services. And just this week, the First Group company posted increased profits on last year of £226m.
“With services frankly not up to scratch in the region, it’s deeply frustrating that First Bus continue to shunt costs onto passengers whilst shareholders profit.
“I urge First Bus to urgently address the serious failures in service provision across Stirling, and ensure my constituents have the affordable, accessible and reliable public transport services they deserve.”
The comments follow a question on the issue of bus driver shortages and the impact on the rural bus network across the region by Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed at Holyrood last week.
The question, addressed to Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth, asked: “Bus passengers across rural Stirling are experiencing last-minute cancellations, especially on services X10, 38 and 52.
“First Bus has advised that there is a shortage of bus drivers. Can the Scottish Government advise on what more can be done to address those shortages and other issues that are affecting the industry?”
In response, Ms Gilruth said the impact of the pandemic and Brexit had caused issues with the recruitment and training of new drivers and stressed she had asked Transport Scotland for an “urgent review” into why so many services were now being cancelled.
Duncan Cameron, managing director for First Bus Scotland, said: “First Scotland East is one of a number of bus companies that makes up First Bus, and each company runs as an independent business.
“Scottish Government funding received during the pandemic meant we could continue to keep vital transport links in Scotland running, on a broadly break-even basis - even when customer demand reduced.
“First Scotland East has underperformed over a number of years, incurring losses as a result. Despite this, we continue to operate routes across the region to maintain the network.
“We are continuing to work hard to overcome the significant industry-wide driver shortages we are experiencing which continue to have an effect on service levels.”
