A local MSP has said people will be "left isolated people isolated or forced to use their cars" when a bus route is withdrawn next month.
The X22 - which currently connects Harthill directly with Edinburgh – is just one service that will no longer run from May 8 following a major review of services in the east of Scotland by operator McGill’s.
Richard Leonard, the Central Scotland representative, says he has been contacted by concerned constituents who will be impacted by the loss of the “lifeline” route and is calling for the Scottish Government to take action.
Passengers can currently board two services an hour between 7am and 7pm to and from West Lothian and Edinburgh, arriving directly in the centre of the capital city.
But stops in Greenrigg will no longer be served from May 8 as the X22 route and timetable are included in a number of “significant service changes” in the region by the operator.
McGill’s say they “fully recognise the extent of service changes” but say that they are contending with both reduced post-Covid journey numbers and with soaring running costs.
Now Mr Leonard has written to transport minister Kevin Stewart, saying: “Constituents have contacted me with concerns about the X22 – this is a service utilised by commuters, students and others, and its removal will effectively force people into cars and leave others isolated.
“I request that you intervene as a matter of some urgency and seek additional support for regional transport partnerships to ensure that they are able to step in where there is market failure and ensure that communities have access to bus services.”
Adding that the number of bus services in Scotland has declined by almost one third since 2007, he continued: “We will not meet our climate change targets or encourage the modal shift from private to public transport without government intervention and support.”
The MSP told Lanarkshire Live: “Buses like the X22 are often a lifeline for people; cutting services leaves many in our communities isolated and forces others into their cars when we are supposed to be cutting harmful emissions – the SNP/Green government must step in to save this service.”
McGill’s chief executive Ralph Roberts said: “Just as Covid was unprecedented, we understand that these service changes post-pandemic are unique.
“The number of journeys being made on most services is between 75 to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels – given the increased costs, this means we need to make some changes to routes and timetables to reflect current demand and to ensure the future viability of our networks.
“Local authorities have the power to step in with financial support where journeys or services are considered to be socially necessary; we have therefore advised them of these proposed changes so that they can weigh up potential replacement services.”
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