Both the Courier and the Evening Telegraph have today highlighted my concerns over the proposed loss of the West End part of the route of the Number 4 bus service - a service that serves many elderly people.
I understand that National Express Dundee intends to withdraw the West End part of the 4's route (along with the withdrawal of some other services including with the 3/3A and 28S in other parts of Dundee) from August and I have written to the new Director of National Express Dundee, Phil Smith, outlining my concerns about the effect on many elderly people in the West End.
The 4 service provided a lifeline for residents in the Logie/Scott Street/City Road and Tullideph area and I am very disappointed that National Express Dundee intends to cut out the West End part of the 4 service.
I am meeting Phil Smith this week to explain why the West End part of this service should be retained. Last Friday, I took part in a meeting with Logie residents at the Lime Street sheltered lounge and speaking with residents afterwards, it is very clear that many residents are very concerned indeed at the loss of this bus service.
For many in the area, alternative services – such as the 22 – involve a walk that many older residents find difficult. The 4 service, coming along Scott Street, is a very useful service, particularly for the people in the north of the estate. It is also well used by people in the City Road and Tullideph/Ancrum areas.
I recently met with the council’s Head of Transportation and from that meeting it is clear that the council will try to fill part of the gap through a restricted subsidised service, but it will by no means fully fill the gap caused by the 4’s intended West End demise.
I am therefore keen to meet Mr Smith from the bus company this week to impress upon him what a vital service this is and ask the bus company for a re-think on its decision to axe the 4 service.
I will also discuss with the bus company their decision to reduce the daytime frequency of the Number 5 service in its West End leg from 15 to 20 minutes that I also view as a retrograde step.