Stirling ex-Provost accuse First of rural irresponsibility

Oct 2 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING’S former provost has accused bus company bosses of social irresponsibility over their withdrawal of another round of rural bus services.

Stirling councillor Colin O’Brien said the proposal came hard on the heels of a recent round of cuts by First.

And he added services between Balfron and Glasgow and the villages in between, especially route eight between Balfron, Drymen, Croftamie and Carbeth via Milngavie to Glasgow, will feel particular impact.

“The proposals are to withdraw early morning services in and out of Glasgow, Monday to Friday, and to withdraw completely all commercial services on a Saturday,” added Councillor O’Brien, himself a Drymen resident.

“I appreciate these services may not be well used all the time and already the council helps with subsidies.

“But to have them better used and get people on to public transport we need more buses not fewer, and a better service generally.

“It is getting to the stage that it will be impossible to live in rural areas without private transport.

“How do we plan for people to shop, attend appointments and even visit friends and family without a transport network? This move, coming hard on the heels of other recent cuts is absolutely contrary to every government policy on reducing car use and developing public transport.

“It seems to me that this is a blatant attempt by First Bus, who make healthy profits, to force the council to come forward with further subsidies, which I don’t believe can be the answer.

“The company has no sense of social responsibility towards its customers.”

He added: “I call again for the government to look at some form of bus regulation to allow cross subsidising from the very profitable routes to sustain those which are not. Previous governments failed to grasp this issue and to date the present government has avoided the issue also while claiming its support for rural communities.

“I support the work of council officers who are seeking ways to find funds to maintain these services at risk and I hope the SNP administration will allocate extra resources if this proves necessary.”

Paul Thomas, managing director for First Scotland East Ltd, said while some services were being withdrawn, some other arrangements were being drawn up.

He added: “Like many businesses in the country, we are not immune to the realities of the unprecedented economic and operational environment we are currently working in.

“As a commercial operating company we monitor all services and journeys to ensure they all contribute to the bottom line of First Scotland East Ltd.

“The commercial journeys we are withdrawing are being done due to the low patronage which means they do not cover their operating costs.

“The continuation of operating loss making services or journeys would ultimately affect our future. Like any business with shareholders we have an obligation to cover our operating costs and make a profit.

“Within the Balfron area we are withdrawing some commercial journeys, however some of these are being replaced by tendered journeys we will operate on behalf of Stirling Council. These will operate on a minimal cost contract so that all passenger revenue will go back to the local authority.

“Tendering of services or journeys is an option available to local authorities should they feel there is a social need for services which cannot be sustained on a commerical basis.”

For details of service changes taking place from October 19 contact First’s customer services team on 08708 72 72 71 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm) or go to www.firstgroup.com/scotlandeast

ANGRY: Stirling councillor Colin O’Brien