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| Cllr Willie Wilson |
In the past few months, my LibDem colleague Cllr Willie Wilson of Perth & Kinross Council and I have highlighted the problems the X7 hospital link bus service causes many constituents who are elderly or who have mobility difficulties, given the style of bus used.
Although we secured some concessions from the bus operators Stagecoach at a meeting we held with them back in January, no early commitment to replace the coach type could be given.
I am therefore pleased that Willie has now written to Sir Brian Souter, Chairman of the Stagecoach Group requesting that he intervenes in this matter. Both Willie and I have continued to receive concerns from constituents about the unsuitability of the coach type for the hospital service.
Here's Willie's letter to Sir Brian - I'll keep residents updated as to Sir Brian's response when Willie receives this :
13 June 2015
Sir Brian Souter
Chairman
Stagecoach Ltd
Dear Sir
X7 Bus Service – Perth Royal Infirmary to Aberdeen
As you may be aware, grave concerns have been expressed by many users of the above service. The type of bus provided by Stagecoach is completely unsuitable for inter-hospital transport.
I am advised by Andrew Jarvis that it is not within his remit to seek replacement coaches within the Stagecoach Group. Perhaps this is something you could look at personally. It may be possible to replace the buses with others in a couple of years’ time; however the public cannot wait this length of time for an improvement. I have received numerous complaints regarding the steep stairs on the bus and the lack of disability access and seating.
Can you please advise if it is possible to exchange the buses on this route for some others that have improved disability and low floor access?
I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully
Councillor Willie Wilson