Councillors hit out at cuts to public transport across Aberdeenshire
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SNP Councillors in Fraserburgh and Central Buchan have hit out at upcoming cuts to public transport, which will see bus services across the north-east reduced.
The cuts which affect 19 routes are a result of the Conservative/Liberal Democrat/Independent-led Administration on Aberdeenshire Council approving cuts of £635,000 to bus services.
SNP councillors meanwhile supported maintaining the current level of service.
The cuts will come into effect in June this year.
Commenting on the situation, councillor Seamus Logan (SNP: Fraserburgh and District) who is worried about the situation this would create for residents in the area said:“Constituents are regularly raising issues about public transport with me, for example a lack of timetable reliability and a failure to stop at some rural locations.
"These cuts can only lead to a reduction in services at a time when we are trying to reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment by encouraging people to use public transport.
"People in Fraserburgh need an express service to Aberdeen to encourage them to leave the car at home.”
These points were echoed by councillor Geoff Crowson (SNP: Central Buchan), who said:“I’m constantly receiving complaints about the service connecting small rural communities such as New Pitsligo and New Deer to all nearby local towns.
“Small communities depend on public transport for all manner of purposes, not least for travel to their place of work.
"I hope the cuts to these services will not make things worse for these poorly served areas but I must admit I expect things may get worse.”
