Concerns voiced over changes to Buckie number 38 bus service
MAJOR changes to a Buckie area bus service have seen community concerns raised.
As of Monday, August 21 Stagecoach brought in a new timetable for the number 38 bus service which has seen radical changes wrought on the service.
Previously, in addition to serving as a Buckie town service, the 38 covered Portessie, Findochty, Portknockie, Cullen, Arradoul and Fochabers, linking all of those communities to Elgin.
However, the truncated timetable has severed those links and now operates as a Buckie town circular service.
The move has seen Buckie councillors Sonya Warren and John Stuart voices fears as to the impact it will have on the affected communities, especially passengers who are vulnerable.
They said: "It's really disappointing especially as the 38 hasn't been running that long.
"The changes to the service mean that many passengers are experiencing a lack of connectivity, it's certainly not suiting everyone.
"A lot of people live in quite remote areas where they've no easily accessible public transport connectivity now. Not everyone is close to a number 35 service bus stop and people are becoming more isolated as they're now less able to use public transport.
"It's also concerning considering the planned new housing developments in Buckpool, how will they access public transport?
"People have been telling us that it's already hitting their daily commute in terms of time and cost. To get to Elgin, for example, you now have to come into the centre of Buckie. This is a big concern for those who rely on access to affordable transport, including passengers with concession cards such as Young Scot or the over-60s.
"We have to say it seems so unfair that the 38 has been severely cut back while the frequency of the 35 has been increased.
"It also seems to fly in the face of efforts to try and encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more in the midst of this climate emergency."
The councillors went on to warn that the move could result in increased pressure being placed on Moray Council's on demand bus service m.connect, although as this operates in zones there would still be no direct link for passengers wishing to travel from Buckie to Elgin.
On a positive note, they added that printed timetables were being restored to bus stops where they had been placed before the Covid pandemic. Those requiring printed timetables due to not having digital access could get in touch with Stagecoach who would supply them.
A spokesperson from Stagecoach North Scotland said: "The 38 now operates as a Buckie town service only, with additional service 35 trips at peak times to replace the service 38 journeys.
"The revisions are a result of a usage review of current services and current punctuality levels in Moray. Our service changes ensure that the vast majority of locations and customers we currently serve will continue to be served."
