North-east bus chiefs have said they are committed to improving services for elderly and disabled passengers.
Hundreds of people turned out to a fiery public meeting in Mintlaw this week to air their views on Stagecoach’s new Buchan Xpress fleet.
Bus passengers have previously complained about the layout of the coaches and the height of the stairs, and claim they are inaccessible – and unsuitable for a rural route.
More than 300 people attended a bus forum to grill Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North Scotland, on how the company would meet the buses more accessible.
During the two hour debate Mr Walker was branded a “liar” and accused of putting profits above passenger needs.
One speaker said: “We in the north-east have no choice – your bus is the only bus we can access. If I was Stagecoach I would
try and make these changes rather than trying to excuse the inexcusable.”
But the bus chief told the forum he was open to making alterations to the £5.5million fleet of 17 Buchan Xpress vehicles.
Mr Walker said: “The key indicator is passenger growth and we are continuing to see growth in the concession bracket.”
Now Stagecoach North Scotland has confirmed that additional hand rails and stopping bells are being considered, as well as a satisfaction survey.
A spokeswoman said: “We attended a public meeting in Mintlaw and would like to thank those who took the time to come along. We are always interested to hear feedback from customers on our services.”
She said that despite accusations otherwise, the new vehicles do comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and have actually sparked an increase in concessionary passengers using the Aberdeen to Buchan routes.
One option that is being considered is replacing the coaches with low-floored local buses on the Aberdeen to Ellon stretch of the route.
Last night local MSP Stewart Stevenson, the former transport secretary, said he was satisfied Mr Walker and his team are taking the concerns on board.
He added that he hoped Stagecoach would consider modifications “as it clearly would not be in their interests to alienate such
a significant proportion of the travelling public.”
