I have expressed concern about changes to Dundee bus services operated by Stagecoach Strathtay that came into force today and also regarding forthcoming changes to other bus services operated by National Express Dundee (Travel Dundee).I have been in correspondence with Stagecoach Strathtay regarding today’s service changes, particularly the withdrawal of the 74 service, which I feel is detrimental to many West End residents.
The 74 service was a highly useful link for many constituents, particular those in the Tullideph/Pentland, City Road, Scott Street, Milnbank Road, Brook Street corridor, providing a link for residents to Ninewells Hospital, the City Centre and Broughty Ferry, and its withdrawal will be a real loss to residents in the area. I have had several other residents express concern at the removal of the 13 service – it is replaced only in part by the 73 and 77 services.
On the removal of Service 74, I raised with the bus company the comments of residents that the service had begun to grow in popularity and with appropriate publicity had real potential for the future.
I do think there is potential in Scott Street and surrounding area – it has seen housing growth in recent years and population increase.
Stagecoach Strathtay’s Operations Manager has responded stating, “It has always been our policy …to listen to our customer concerns regarding the service changes. We will review these changes and make any amendments either based on customer feedback - if we feel we can make these work commercially - or to change something that clearly isn't working.”
I am pleased that the bus company was willing to review its changes but think the loss of the 74 service will leave an unfortunate gap in service for a significant part of the West End.
On the Travel Dundee proposed changes that are due to be implemented on 16th August, I appreciate that some of the changes National Express Dundee have announced appeared positive – for example the timing of the 2S St John’s High School bus has been an issue I have raised with the bus company and am pleased that the bus company is prepared to re-time it to make it fit better with the start of the school day.
I am pleased that the bus company was willing to review its changes but think the loss of the 74 service will leave an unfortunate gap in service for a significant part of the West End.
On the Travel Dundee proposed changes that are due to be implemented on 16th August, I appreciate that some of the changes National Express Dundee have announced appeared positive – for example the timing of the 2S St John’s High School bus has been an issue I have raised with the bus company and am pleased that the bus company is prepared to re-time it to make it fit better with the start of the school day.
However, I have raised with the bus company concerns about the further reduction of the 9X service – the 30 minute part of the service is being reduced to hourly – and the 22 service is being reduced in the evenings from 20 to 30 minutes.
The Managing Director of Travel Dundee has indicated a willingness to meet with me to discuss the upcoming service changes and this meeting is taking place this coming Wednesday. I am anxious to make the case on behalf of my constituents about the 9X and 22 evening services in particular.
The Managing Director of Travel Dundee has indicated a willingness to meet with me to discuss the upcoming service changes and this meeting is taking place this coming Wednesday. I am anxious to make the case on behalf of my constituents about the 9X and 22 evening services in particular.