Moray bus users have demanded the scrapping of timetable changes, which have left them facing freezing hour-long waits between services.
Stagecoach has rolled out a revised schedule across the region, which means that some customers travelling from rural areas to Fochabers, en route to Aberdeen, have to wait in the village before the next stage of their journey.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Douglas Ross, has now called on the firm to return the number 35 service to its previous timetable.
Mr Ross was alerted to the problem by residents in Spey Bay, Portgordon and Clochan – and declared that patients travelling to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary were among those affected.
He said: “For many people living in rural Moray, an efficient bus service is a vital lifeline and many feel that the services provided by Stagecoach are going backwards.
“With the number 35 bus moving to an hourly service, customers are experiencing great problems joining the number 10 to Aberdeen.
“The 35 arrives in Fochabers after the 10 has departed, and many older passengers are left waiting an hour for the next bus.
“Given there is limited shelter in the village square, and with the winter months now upon us, any significant wait could have serious effects on peoples’ health.”
Stagecoach’s north Scotland managing director, Mark Whitelocks, responded he was keen to meet the politician to discuss his concerns.
He added: “In reviewing our services, we have designed a network that continues to provide journeys in line with the demand that we had seen previously.
“We have also ensured that links have been maintained to key destinations, so the 35 allows passengers to travel directly from Portgordon to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary without needing to change at Fochabers.”
