First Midland Bluebird

[Sybic26]

"First Scotland East would like to invite you to Have Your Say on the proposed service changes to our Falkirk network at our Customer Roadshow Consultation Day on DATE from TIME at LOCATION (if on a bus be specific about location i.e. stance, Falkirk Bus Station etc.)

We value your feedback and want to give you the opportunity to have your say on the proposed changes. See below for the detailed map of the proposed changes and summaries of the alterations by service and area:

Get information from John Scott

Here are the proposed service timetables:

Get timetable information from Radi, Gordon, Phil"

Looks as if the first section of the update note has been put together in a hurry. Several items of information have not been provided such as when and where, timetables not shown other than for service 1 or maps.

 

[overthewater]

What was the point of the 2012 changes????

 

[overthewater]

I bet any money that Service 5 will be every 20mins ( which see a cut) , 6, 6a, 7, and 8 are all hourly... There a chance no3 and 4 will be back to every 15mins. I have bad feeling no38 is going to either every 20mins overall or 15mins but cuts in the middle... will the X39 be every 30mins between Denny and Stirling? Is there Stirling network review on the cards???

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

What was the point of the 2012 changes????

Errr....things change in 6 years?

 

[Observer]

What was the point of the 2012 changes????

Not everything is being changed back to 2012 levels. I think once all the timetables are available to look at you might see that there are less buses on the road now, routes being combined to allow this.

I bet any money that Service 5 will be every 20mins ( which see a cut) , 6, 6a, 7, and 8 are all hourly... I have bad feeling no38 is going to either every 20mins overall or 15mins but cuts in the middle... will the X39 be every 30mins between Denny and Stirling? Is there Stirling network review on the cards???

Can't see X39 changing much. A Stirling review sounds more likely now I'd think. Will just have to see what happens.

 

[smtglasgow]

No idea how accurate that story about Falkirk bus station closing is, but the proposed timetable for the 1 suggests that it *might* be true. Also, if you look at the list of routes, there isn’t much terminating in the town centre.

I’d like to see them do something with the X37/X39 (branding, speeding up, more consistent vehicle allocations, anything really!) – these are the type of inter-urban route Stagecoach seem to be so much better at building up.

 

[overthewater]

Errr....things change in 6 years?

Back to where we started on certain routes ;0) that why was miffet here. The company bended over backwards over certain routes inbetween 2012 changes but its like sod it back to where were started..

Service 1 - Dunipace - Denny - Bonnybridge - Falkirk - Redding - Polmont - Maddiston - Linlithgow - Bridgend

Service 5 - Hallglen - Falkirk - Langlees - Falkirk - Hallglen

it's like pushing the chairs around, It seems this time 3/4 have been spilt, I wonder how will that will go down. I think this is so there can reduced the Westen side but maybe make Grangemouth side every 15mins again?

 

[overthewater]

No new no2 timetable was uploaded this morning ,but has now gone:

• Service 5, Langlees to Bo’ness: a rise of more than 8.2% – and now benefiting from the Falkirk area cut-price zonal fares package announced last year

The Service to Bo'ness has been cut to every 30mins.....

 

[overthewater]

The whole page has now been deleted!!

 

[Jordan Adam]

The whole page has now been deleted!!

You probably won't get the joke as it's more a local (to Aberdeen) thing but.....


"Admin Error"

 

[Sybic26]

Perhaps the page was under test.

 

[overthewater]

The No1 timetable is still on the system I wish i kept the No2 link now.

 

[Edirim]

No2 link
https://www.firstgroup.com/uploads/...ammanan - Falkirk - Grangemouth - Bo'ness.pdf

 

[overthewater]

Gold stars to that person. Also no bus stance again.

 

[overthewater]

Back in West Lothian, the good old politicians are being as clueless as ever!

Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab):
Across West Lothian, First is reducing the frequency of bus services and cutting routes, which is impacting on thousands of passengers who rely on buses for work, to reach public services such as hospitals and general practitioner surgeries, or for shopping and socialising. Bus passengers and communities appear to have no rights when it comes to service reductions. Can the First Minister advise what passengers can do in the here and now to prevent these cuts to services, or do they just have to accept them?

The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon):
I will ask the transport minister to look at the specific situation in West Lothian and correspond with Neil Findlay. I know that in my constituency I regularly take up complaints, issues and concerns about bus services with bus companies and I am sure that all local members do the same. Of course, this week saw the introduction of the new Transport (Scotland) Bill, which has the issue of bus services at its heart. I hope that all members will engage constructively with that bill as we ensure that we do everything possible to encourage more people to use buses and to encourage local authorities and bus companies to provide the services that people want and need.

When was the last time either of them on a bus, and overall there is no service reductions

 

[Observer]

Of course it would be taken down, that page. If somebody made mention of the page to First, then perhaps that's a good reason why it was. It's not supposed to be public until all timetables are up. Maybe by the end of the week or next week everything should be up.

And yes, once again no more Falkirk Bus Station. I do wonder if they are reducing the amount of buses because of building works that are going to happen with the flats being made, or if they've finally realised that more people get on and off at Newmarket St/ASDA instead of the bus station. It is a step in the right direction anyway, although driver changeovers will now need to take place somewhere else.

 

[overthewater]

There are a few empty shop units on Newmarket street which I dare say could be converted into a drivers mess room and also have an enquire desk. I wonder if the B&M will be happy? What part of the bus stance is getting the flats?

 

[Observer]

There are a few empty shop units on Newmarket street which I dare say could be converted into a drivers mess room and also have an enquire desk. I wonder if the B&M will be happy? What part of the bus stance is getting the flats?

9, 8 and 7 I think.

 

[overthewater]

Why would you want a flat right next to a night club. I hope something is done with the old fads and Farmfood buildings.

 

[overthewater]

Falkirk details will appear early next week ( within the next couple of day) West Lothian changes as reported had 1000 passengers given feedback which is wonderful! Because of that, the changes have been pushed back into August. Before you think oh what has happened to Stirling changes, not to worry that planned for sometime in July

 

[Stef434]

Falkirk details will appear early next week ( within the next couple of day) West Lothian changes as reported had 1000 passengers given feedback which is wonderful! Because of that, the changes have been pushed back into August. Before you think oh what has happened to Stirling changes, not to worry that planned for sometime in July

Good to see 1000 people registering feedback, hmmmm…...been here before when services were planned for culling ,they do the surveys,they analysis the etm data ,they travel on buses doing point to point ticket analysis ,they do the onboard revenue analysis, stop for stop anaylsis… what patterns are developinging etc ,look at public feedback, MSP/MP the petitions ...oh sorry its our company we are here to put bums on seats and our analysis says we are correct ,don't care if drivers record the correct tickets,,,been there ,the new buses didn't work we have a business plan to afford the new vehicles its not working so cost cut ……...consultations give me strength....Davie Phillips at Aberdeen dear oh dear that guy ….

 

[overthewater]

There is only really three sticking points about these change, everything else will most likley get rubber stamped and past with only one or two routes revised to stop the complaints. Personnel I would put on one extra bus service and call the public bluff.. with use it or lose.

 

[Volvodart]

That is what Stagecoach Highland did, and got rid of it at the next service change.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Davie Phillips at Aberdeen dear oh dear that guy ….

"That guy" who lives in Glasgow and spends most of his time at Larbert...

 

[overthewater]

What does that guy do know?

 

[Volvodart]

The Falkirk consultation is now live.

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/have-your-say

Have your say
First Scotland East would like to invite you to Have Your Say on the proposed service changes to our Falkirk network at our Customer Roadshow Consultation Day on Friday 22nd June at Howgate Shopping Centre from 0900 to 1730.

We value your feedback and want to give you the opportunity to have your say on the proposed changes.

Please click on this link to give us your feedback -https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Falkirk

Forth Valley Royal Hospital
Old Service Number 6/7/38
New Service Number 6/7/8/38
Notes - Improved link from Antonshill – served all day. Better spaced service departures.

Denny
Old Service Number 2/X39
New Service Number 1/X39
Notes - Service number 2 renumbered to Service 1. Fankerton now served by service 8. Balanced 15 min frequency on Nethermains Road. No connection to Stirling from Bonnybridge. No through connection to Stirling University. Barnego Road not served.

Kilsyth
Served by the Service Number 4B which terminates at Falkirk and not going to Grangemouth

Antonshill/Larbert/Stenhousemuir
Old Service Number 6/7/F11
New Service Number 6/7/8
Notes - Antonshill improved service to FVRH. All services now operate via the doctors surgeries beside Asda Stenhousemuir. Reintroduction of Service 7 via Larbert Main Street. More services operating via Health Centre at Stenhousemuir. Service 6 now offers through service to Falkirk Wheel.

Langlees
Old Service Number 5
New Service Number 5
Notes - Frequency increase now every 15 minutes to Falkirk Town Centre. Now serves Carronside Street. No longer serving Haugh Street & Langlees Street.

Grahams Road
Old Service Number 5/6/7/F16
New Service Number 5/6/7/8
Notes - Frequency increased by 1 bus per hour with better co-ordinated headways to 7/8 mins frequency.

Camelon/Summerford
Old Service Number 3/4/4A
New Service Number 6/7/8
Notes - Camelon, Ochilltree & Tamfourhill will now served by services 6/7/8. Tamforhill/Ochilltree now both 30 mins services. Now offers through service to Central Retail Park and FVRH. Maggies Woods Loan now served by new service 2. Increased frequency on Windsor Road, with improved co-ordination. Westburn Avenue is still partially served in an Eastbound direction between Maggies Wood Loan and Falkirk Community Hospital. The only part not served is between Maggies Wood Loan and Glenfuir Road in both directions. Direct link to Falkirk College and Grangemouth withdrawn.

Please click on this link to give us your feedback -https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Falkirk

Hallglen
Old Service Number 1
New Service Number 5
Notes - Now served by service 5. New link to Central Retail park.

Slamannan/Limerigg
Old Service Number 17
New Service Number 2
Notes - Now served by service 2. New link serving Grangemouth & Bo’Ness.

Falkirk Bus Station
Notes - Due to poor usage and amenities no services using Bus Station.

Grangemouth
Old Service Number 3/4/4A/5
New Service Number 2/3/4
Notes - Service 5 becomes service 2. Service 2 now links with Falkirk Community Hospital from Grangemouth Old Town
Grangemouth Old Town frequency reduced from 20 > 30 minutes. No through service on 3/4 to Falkirk Community Hospital, Falkirk Wheel. Central Avenue/Stevenson Street/Burnbank Avenue not served on Evenings & Sundays due to parking issues.

Brighton/Redding/Maddiston
Old Service Number 1
New Service Number 1
Notes - New through service to Camelon/Denny.

Westquarter
Old Service Number F8
New Service Number F16
Notes - New service number. Direct Link to retail Park withdrawn.

Bo’Ness
Old Service Number 5/5A/5C
New Service Number 2
Notes - Now served by revised service number 2. New through service to Falkirk Community Hospital. Now offering close link to Falkirk High Station hourly. Frequency reduced to 30-minute frequency. The only section of Dean Road/Grahamsdyke Road not being served is between Cadzow Avenue And Grahamsdyke Terrace.

Linlithgow
Old Service Number 1/38
New Service Number 1/38
Notes - Now faster more direct to Edinburgh. No longer serves Bridgend or Gyle. Reduced frequency on service 38, now 30 mins to Edinburgh, remains every 15 minutes to Falkirk/Stirling.

Bridgend
Old Service Number 38
New Service Number 1
Notes - Now served by extended service 1 to Linlithgow. No direct connection to Edinburgh from Village, service 38 to operate main Road only every 30 minutes.

Winchburgh/Kirkliston
Old Service Number 22A/38
New Service Number 38/600
Notes - New dedicated service to Edinburgh Airport on service 600 in conjunction with West Lothian Alterations. Continued connection to Broxburn/Uphall & Livingston Centre. No direct connection to St Johns hospital, change at Livingston Terminal. Reduced frequency to Edinburgh – 15 minutes peak & 30 mins off-peak.

Armadale
Old Service Number 800/801/803/21/29
New Service Number 21/26/29
Notes - Now operates a standardise route to through Armadale North Street, East Mains Street.

Please click on this link to give us your feedback -https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Falkirk

Tendered Services

Old Service Number F8
New Service Number F16
Notes - To be amalgamated with service F16 & renumbered to F16. Route between Westquarter and Falkirk as current (no longer serving Falkirk Bus Station). New link to Falkirk Community Hospital/Carron Centre. New improved hourly service. No longer serving Central Retail Park.

Old Service Number F16
New Service Number F16
Notes - Amalgamated with services F8/F11
Now commences at Westquarter and operates F8 route to Falkirk, then F11 route to Bainsford Mungalhead Road, and then at Carron Road current route to Stirling. New link to Falkirk Community Hospital.

Old Service Number F11
New Service Number F16
Notes - Service number removed see F16 above
Service 8 covers from Falkirk to Denny Cross, Denny Cross to Dunipace section rerouted to cover Fankerton. Maintains service 2B link to Glasgow Road. Merchiston Road to Mungalhead Road covered by revised service F16.

Old Service Number F25
New Service Number F25
Notes - No longer serves Falkirk Bus station, now extended to Falkirk Upper Newmarket Street.
Now operates from Upper Newmarket to Finistere Aenue via Hodge Street, Cochrane Ave, Cow Wynd and then normal route to Standburn (timing issues, anticipated faster route)

Old Service Number F14
New Service Number F14
Notes - No longer serves Falkirk Bus station, now extended to Falkirk Upper Newmarket Street. Now operates from Upper Newmarket to Finistere Aenue via Hodge Street, Cochrane Ave, Cow Wynd then normal route to Etna Road

Please click on this link to give us your feedback -https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Falkirk

Proposed timetables and map are below;

Service 1 - Dunipace - Denny - Bonnybridge - Falkirk - Redding - Polmont - Maddiston - Linlithgow - Bridgend

Service 2 - Limerigg - Slammanan - Falkirk - Grangemouth - Bo'ness

Service 3 & 4 - Falkirk - Grangemouth - Falkirk

Service 4B - Croy - Kilsyth - Banton - Banknock - Bonnybridge - Camelon - Falkirk

Service 5 - Hallglen - Falkirk - Langlees - Falkirk - Hallglen

Service 6 - Falkirk Wheel - Tamfourhill - Falkirk - Carronshore - Stenhousemuir - FVRH

Service 6A - Camelon - Falkirk - Carronshore - Stenhousemuir - FVRH

Service 7 - Camelon - Falkirk - Antonshill - Stenhousemuir - FVRH

Service 8 - Camelon - Falkirk - Stenhousemuir - FVRH - Bonnybridge - Fankerton

Service 29 - Falkirk - Shieldhill - Avonbridge - Armadale - Falside - Bathgate - Broxburn

Service 38 - Stirling - Plean - Larbert - Falkirk - Linlithgow - Kirkliston - Edinburgh

Service 391 - Falkirk - Larbert - Kincardine - Dollar Academy

Service F14 - Falkirk High Station - Falkirk - Middlefield - Etna Rd

Service F16 - Stirling - Fallin - Airth - Carronshore - Falkirk - Westquarter

Service F25 - Falkirk - Corentin Court - Falkirk - Polmont - Redding - Wallacestone - Maddiston - Standburn

Service X37 - Falkirk - Bonnybridge - High Bonnybridge - Cumbernauld - Glasgow

Service X39 - WALLACE MONUMENT - STIRLING - GLASGOW via Stirling University - Denny - Cumbernauld - Muirhead - M80

Please click on this link to give us your feedback -https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Falkirk

 

[overthewater]

WELL, this is turning into more Swings and roundabouts. Yes there are cuts but overall within the Falkirk area it would seem there isn't a great deal of cuts, in fact its possible equals itself out.

Overall:

* X37 has been doubled.... its now every 30mins over the slow route to Glasgow, no idea why. I was have expecting 4B and X37 to provide the 30min service to Bonnybridge.
* Langlees has somehow managed to get an improved service, It doesn't need a bus every 15 let along the current 20....
* 2A between Denny and Stirling is now covered by the X39 ( ie every 30min over that section)
* improved service during early morning from Tamfourhill, plus later buses at night..

Falkirk Bus Station
Notes - Due to poor usage and amenities no services using Bus Station.

B&M, KFC and lidi won't be happy with that.


But here is the big cut and its No38. Which is going down to every 30mins between Linlithgow - Winchburgh - Edinburgh. I get the feeling no600 is part replacement for the reduction in service, which really should be every 30mins. But that is one Big cut but its understandable it was never that busy and most passengers within Kirkilston has stuck with Lothian going to the Gyle, but the saturday morning might be a problem...

 

[smtglasgow]

A big difference between the West Lothian and Falkirk proposals – some serious reductions here and not many improvements.

Am I missing something with the X37 and X39? Is one of the 2 X37 per hour really going to run more or less on top of the X39 – or is the X39 going to be changed again with the Stirling proposals (the Sunday X39 seems to have gone completely)? Surprised that the off peak 38 gets cut back so much at the Edinburgh end, but then again none of First’s services into Edinburgh seem to be that busy when I see them at Haymarket. But it seems like an own goal to be reducing services through an area with so much new building going on. No developer money?

I guess it just proves that Falkirk (and maybe Stirling too) is the problem child of FSE. With 2 depots relatively close together and the PVR continually dropping, would consolidating everything at Larbert (it’s large enough) be workable?

Not much to be positive about...

 

[overthewater]

Yes there is developer money in Winchburgh area and there still more to come... but it does look like its been switched to No600, which is fair enough to give them a better service to other areas. No38 are not great and opearate half empty, again why are all those people running into Central Edinburgh, you're just a quick going into Livingston. It does seem the X37 And X39 are on top of each other, and no X39 will not be changing again this side of xmas unless there have secretly got it book for just 4 weeks?
Maybe its planned for the X39 to be curtailed back to Cumbernauld or even Denny in the months ahead..

The town network isn't really going to see reduction overall, personnel I do see alot of positives in the changes, expect for Bo'ness but that a different kettle of fish.

 

[overthewater]

The Feed back day has changed to next Wednesday. Not this Friday... Also it been reduced to noon to 5.30.