I was pleased to be reassured at a meeting with Travel Dundee yesterday that the Number 2 bus service is not threatened with a further reduced – or removed – service and that there will be no substantive route alteration during this year.I had arranged to meet Lawrence Davie, Managing Director of Travel Dundee, following concerns expressed by residents over the future of the Number 2 service. The service is a vital one, particularly for elderly folk, particularly in the areas around Peddie Street, the Logie Estate, Scott Street and City Road.
It was therefore good to hear from Travel Dundee that it has no plans to further reduce the service or take it off. Residents were already concerned enough at the reduction in the service last November to hourly. I was also assured that the bus company was working to improve punctuality. They have made the point that the Number 2 service has relatively low usage off-peak – the peak buses are busy – and they are keen to hear residents’ views as to how service usage can be improved – that’s something I will be speaking with local residents’ groups about.
I also again raised concerns raised by West End parents of pupils at St John’s High School about the route and timetabling of the 2A bus service just before the start of the school day. Travel Dundee indicated that it was willing to meet St John’s High Parent Council representatives about the issues to hopefully find a solution. I have let the Parent Council Chair know this.
I also highlighted the issue of the frequency of the 9X service through the West End. Although it is a 15 minute service on the Broughty Ferry leg, it is a 30 minute service during day time on the leg west of the City Centre. Travel Dundee stated it has no immediate plans to improve the 30 minute service to the West End, but it confirmed that it would note my request for a more regular service and keep the service under review.