Bus passengers in the north-east are being urged to share their thoughts on a fleet of modern buses ahead of talks.
In December, Councillor Jim Ingram spoke out about difficulties facing elderly and disabled passengers aboard Stagecoach’s 17 new Buchan Xpress buses, which operate between Aberdeen and the Buchan coast.
The new vehicles boast bike lockers and reclining leather seats, but the Central Buchan councillors says access has been an issue for some of his constituents.
Now talks have been arranged for later this month between three local bus forums and representatives from Stagecoach.
Mr Ingram said: “Accessibility – I’ve been getting more and more complaints from the public about it.
“It’s mainly the elderly and the disabled – the concession card holders – who struggle with these buses.”
Mr Ingram said the meeting on Thursday, Ferbuary 18 at Mintlaw Academy would have “one issue on the agenda only – dealing with the buses”.
Bus company officials have previously stressed that the new coaches are easier to board and alight than previous vehicles, and have accessible seating immediately inside the doorway.
When the new fleet was first launched, the weekly passenger figures for the Buchan coast routes jumped from an average of 25,000 to a total of 32,000.
Last night a spokeswoman for Stagecoach North Scotland said: “We are continually looking for ways to improve our services for our passengers and make bus travel more accessible, affordable and easy for all.
“Feedback from passengers who have used our services is always very welcome, we will carefully review all the feedback we receive at the meeting in February and implement any feasible suggestions where we can.”
The meeting between the Banff and Buchan, Buchan, and Formartine bus forums and officials from Stagecoach will take place at Mintlaw Academy on Thursday, February 18 from 7pm.
