What's worrying is Every depot has to make profit and if bannockburn isn't hitting the mark just now and they expect these changes to do so . ?? I'm not convinced .
A First Bus consultation exercise on changes to its Stirling area services has come under fire from members of the public and politicians.
The consultation with the public began on Monday of last week and people had only until 7pm on Monday of this week to respond.
First Bus were on Friday between 10am and 5pm giving people the chance to raise questions with one of the company’s managers at Stirling Bus Station.
But the exercise has come under fire for lack of advertising and notice, and the short time period in which people have the chance to respond.
Whins of Milton resident Walter Attwood, who has written to Stirling councillors on the matter, slammed the exercise as “not serious consultation”.
He added: “It is a bureaucratic nod in the direction of a consultation, a tick-box exercise.”
Mr Attwood said the consultation also relied on bus users’ ability to access the internet. “Many older people do not have that,” he said. “Even if they do they may well be reluctant to respond to an online questionnaire.
“It is also highly likely that many bus users will not learn about this consultation because they do not use the bus station.”
Mr Attwood also pointed out that under new timetables only one bus route will serve the new health centre – the 57 Raploch circular.
He added: “None of the areas from which GP surgeries will relocate to the health centre will have a direct bus link to the centre.
“Those people who rely on buses and will be attending clinics at the new health centre from Cowie, Bannockburn, Braehead, Broomridge, Whins of Milton, Cornton and Bridge of Allan will have to travel into the centre of Stirling before catching another bus out. Most of these areas were served by the 54A."
Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown said the consultation was first publicised on Monday, July 16, giving people only a week to respond.
The MSP said: “The changes to local bus services being proposed by First Group are significant and will impact on people across Clackmannanshire and Stirling.
“As one of the constituency MSPs for areas which will be heavily impacted by the proposed changes, I did not receive any communication from First Group regarding the proposals, which I was alerted to on social media.
“This is particularly disappointing considering the previous assurances I was given that I would be kept up to date with any developments to local services.
“The consultation is only a week long and considering it is peak holiday period when many community councils and local organisations will not have the opportunity to meet to consider the proposals, I feel it is completely inadequate. Indeed, the only public event being held is in Stirling which people from Clackmannanshire may not manage to attend.
“I have contacted First Group to express my disappointment and to extend the consultation process to allow as many people as possible to engage and make their views known about the proposals. I have also requested a meeting to discuss the matter further.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache said the exercise was “consultation in name only.”
He added: “It has been done with very short notice with only a one day face-to-face consultation at Stirling Bus Station, and a very short period for the online survey.
“It’s about time that we re-regulate bus services for the public benefit.”
First Scotland East said it started the consultation with Stirling and Clackmannanshire councils and “other stakeholders” on July 2.
Managing director Andrew Jarvis said that ‘a network review information pack’ was then issued to all “local stakeholders” on July 17 before the information was made public via a press release and through its website and social media channels.
Mr Jarvis added: “We have subsequently sent out posters for display on our buses, and for posting at Stirling Bus Station."
He also pointed to the fact that they hosted a meet the managers consultation event at Stirling Bus Station on Friday and were also inviting customers and stakeholders unable to attend to have their say through the online survey.
He added: "MSP Keith Brown has been in touch directly with me and we are currently arranging to meet to discuss the changes as well as any other concerns he may have around his local area regarding local bus services.
“This is the first time we have undertaken customer consultations of this nature and on this scale in support of proposed network changes and we will naturally look to improve this process going forward.
“While we are aware that these proposals do not please everyone, we hope that by the end of this process, we will be in a position to make the necessary changes that will improve the local bus network to the benefit of as many customers as possible.”
I have to agree, the Uni is the sole reason why First are hanging around.I think it's just covering its cost, because of the uni. That is the only reason why First is still in the town. But it's bonkers what going on here, Awful routes the awful tickets. There should spilt the U1 into speratae routes
* U1: UNI - town centre - cowie
* U2: UNi - Town centre - St. Ninians
* U3: UNi - Town centre - whins of milton.
* U4: Uni - Bridge of allan - Town centre
each every 20mins, While during the short xmas period and Summer holls make it every 30mins with the U3 stopping at the Town centre. I wonder if First would go after the two Park n Ride services? Springkerse one is very busy. There is so much room to grab new passengers.
I have to agree, the Uni is the sole reason why First are hanging around.
A few years back HO considered moving the Unilink to Larbert when First were on the brink of selling off Bannockburn only bad admin stopped the sale to Stagecoach/Rennies
No, first has chased everyone else away, about 10 years ago.are there any more operators servicing the Uni..apart from First
does this forum allow private postWas it really Stagecoach we wanted to by the depot? There woudl have taken a hard line to Mackies, and most likely combined no8 service to run as apart of any network. Why was the Admin so bad what happened?
No, first has chased everyone else away, about 10 years ago.
Can't see First Glasgow willingly giving up the X3.
The MMCs could more usefully be used inside the low emissions zone. The X3 route is not in the zone.
West Lothian Network Changes
From Monday 6th August, West Lothian Service Changes will come into effect. We want to make sure you're prepared for these changes before travelling with us so we've summarised some of the best bits for you below:
What are the benefits of travelling with us?
- We are continuing to regularly serve St John’s Hospital
- We are providing faster links into Edinburgh City Centre
- We are providing a new, faster service to Edinburgh Airport which will now serve Winchburgh and Kirkliston
You can pick up a copy of our printed timetables on bus and in public spaces across West Lothian.
- More buses, simpler routes, simpler frequencies and new links
- ALL First buses accept contactless payments and mobile ticketing
- Regular Friday/Saturday Night Services connect West Lothian and Edinburgh
See below for more detailed information on our new services, routes as well as all the timetables, and network and town centre maps so you can plan your journey in advance.
Service
Route and details of proposed changes
21
21A
21B
21C
X21
Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre
NEW all-day link to Kirkton Campus
All journeys numbered 21 – Services numbers 21A, 21B, 21C and X21 discontinued.
New service 21 route – Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22
22A
22B
X22
Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre
All journeys numbered 22 – Services numbers 22A, 22B and X22 discontinued.
New service 22 route – Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
23
MORE BUSES
Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre
Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road
New service 23 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder (Main Street) – East Calder (Langton Road) – Kirknewton – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
X23
DIRECT from Livingston, The Centre to Edinburgh
New service X23 route – Broxburn (East Mains Industrial Estate or Strathbrock Centre) – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder (Calder Park) – East Calder (Main Street) – Wilkieston – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
23
X23
LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Saughton and Haymarket
To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison then as listed below:
Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Dalry Road at Haymarket Station and then all recognised stops to Regent Road.
To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below:
Dalry Road at Haymarket Station – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison and then all recognised stops thereafter.
24
MORE BUSES
Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre
Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road
Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh
New service 24 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
25
MORE BUSES
Now every 15 minutes between Armadale, Falside, Bathgate, Deans and Livingston, The Centre
Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road
Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh
DIRECT from Bathgate and Deans to Livingston, The Centre
DIRECT from Broxburn and Uphall to Livingston, The Centre
New service 25 route – Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans North – Carmondean – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
24
25
LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Maybury and Haymarket
To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then as listed below:
Glasgow Road at North Gyle Rd – St John’s Road at Foot of Drumbrae – St John’s Road at Glebe Road – St John’s Road at Station Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Haymarket Terrace at Roseberry Crescent then all recognised stops to Regent Road.
To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below:
Haymarket Terrace at Haymarket Station – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – St John's Road at Kirk Loan – St John's Road at Foot of Drumbrae –
Glasgow Road at North Gyle Road – Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then all recognised stops thereafter.
26
SIMPLIFIED ROUTE AND FREQUENCY
Every 15 minutes between Knightsridge, Ladywell, Howden and Livingston, The Centre
Every 15 minutes between Livingston, The Centre, West Calder and Addiewell
New all-day link to Livingston North Station
MORE BUSES serving Birniehill and J4M8 Distribution Park
New service 26 route – Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – Polbeth – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – J4M8 Birniehill – Bathgate
27
X27
NEW Livingston local service
All journeys numbered 27 – Service number X27 discontinued.
New service 27 route – St John’s Hospital – Ladywell West – Craigshill – Asda – Livingston The Centre – Almondvale Retail Park – Dedridge
28
28C
X28
These services will no longer operate.
Please refer to services 25 (Bathgate – Deans – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Knightsridge – Livingston The Centre) and 23 (Livingston The Centre – East Calder – Edinburgh).
600
NEW service providing links from Winchburgh and Kirkliston to Edinburgh Airport
New service 600 route – Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport
800
801
803
These services will no longer operate.
Please refer to services 25 (Blackridge – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Livingston The Centre – Fauldhouse – Bathgate) and 27 (Livingston The Centre – Dedridge West).
802
900
920
921
922
X99
These services will no longer operate.
Changes to services operating from Falkirk area – From Monday 20 August
Service
Route and details of proposed changes
1
Route extended from Linlithgow Cross to Bridgend Village, partly replacing service 38.
29
29A
29C
Revised route within Armadale.
All journeys numbered 29 – Services numbers 29A and 29C discontinued.
38
38A
X38
Revised route, timetable and frequency.
Route replaced in Bridgend Village by service 1.
Gyle Centre is no longer served.
All journeys numbered 38 – Services numbers 38A and X38 discontinued.
Sure I heard/read somewhere that Bannockburn depot was in a bad physical condition, can anyone conform/put me straight?It should be next week Stirling changes go via Vosa, but it been very quiet on this front. Its makes me wonder if there planning on marking some "minor" changes to keep people happy.
They have started to appear todayIt should be next week Stirling changes go via Vosa, but it been very quiet on this front. Its makes me wonder if there planning on marking some "minor" changes to keep people happy.
First Midland Bluebird (Falkirk Area) – New Network starts Monday 20 August
Services not listed will continue to operate unchanged. Route and details of proposed changes
1
Services 1 and 38 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes between Camelon and Laurieston via Falkirk Town Centre
New service 1 route – Dunipace – Denny Cross – Braes View – Bonnybridge (Highland Dykes) – Camelon – Falkirk Town Centre – Laurieston – Redding Cross – Polmont Station – Brightons Cross – Maddiston – Whitecross – Linlithgow Cross – Bridgend
View service 1 timetable
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2 2A 2B
This service will be replaced by the 1, 8, X37 and X39.
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2
NEW
SIMPLIFIED ROUTE AND FREQUENCY IN BO'NESS
New service 2 route – Limerigg – Slamannan – Lionthorn – Falkirk Town Centre – Forth Valley College – Grangemouth (Old Town & Charing Cross) – Bo'ness (Castlehill – Bomains – Cadzow Avenue – Bus Station – Bridgeness – Grahamsdyke)
View service 2 timetable
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3 4 4A
Services 3 and 4 combine to provide buses every 10 minutes between Falkirk Town Centre and Grangemouth, Fouldubs Corner via Forth Valley College
New service 3 route – Falkirk Town Centre – Forth Valley College – Grangemouth (Fouldubs Corner – Newhouse Road – Charing Cross – Charlotte Dundas Court – Rannoch Road – Central Avenue – Fouldubs Corner) – Forth Valley College – Falkirk Town Centre
New service 4 route – Falkirk Town Centre – Forth Valley College – Grangemouth (Fouldubs Corner – Central Avenue – Rannoch Road – Charlotte Dundas Court – Charing Cross – Newhouse Road – Fouldubs Corner) – Forth Valley College – Falkirk Town Centre
View service 3 and 4 timetables
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4B
New service 4B route – Falkirk Town Centre – Camelon – Bonnybridge Toll – Dennyloanhead – Haggs – Banknock – Banton – Kilsyth – Croy Station
View service 4B timetable
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5 5A 5C
MORE BUSES
Now every 15 minutes between Falkirk Town Centre and Langlees
Services 5, 6, 7 and 8 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes between Falkirk Town Centre and Bainsford
NEW LINKS to Central Retail Park
All journeys numbered 5 – Service numbers 5A and 5C discontinued.
New service 5 route – Hallglen - Cow Wynd – Hodge Street – Falkirk Town Centre – Grahams Road (Central Retail Park) – Bainsford – Langlees
View service 5 timetable
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6 7 8
MORE BUSES
Services 6, 7 and 8 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Summerford and Falkirk Town Centre
Services 5, 6, 7 and 8 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes between Falkirk Town Centre and Bainsford
NEW LINKS to Central Retail Park and Stenhousemuir Asda
New service 6 route – Falkirk Wheel – Tamfourhill – Summerford – Major's Loan – Falkirk Town Centre – Grahams Road (Central Retail Park) – Bainsford – Carronshore - Stenhousemuir Asda – Larbert (Glenbervie Drive) – Forth Valley Royal Hospital
New service 7 route – Camelon (Ochiltree Terrace) – Carmuirs Avenue – Summerford – Major's Loan – Falkirk Town Centre – Grahams Road (Central Retail Park) - Bainsford – Antonshill – Stenhousemuir Asda – Larbert Cross – Forth Valley Royal Hospital
New service 8 route – Camelon (Ochiltree Terrace) – Carmuirs Avenue – Summerford – Major's Loan – Falkirk Town Centre – Grahams Road (Central Retail Park) - Bainsford – Stenhouse Road – Stenhousemuir Asda – Larbert (Muirhall Road and The Inches) – Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Bonnybridge (Highland Dykes) – Dennyloanhead – Denny (Glasgow Road and Denny Cross) – Fankerton
View services 6, 7 and 8 timetables
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F8
This service will be replaced by the F16.
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F11
This service will be replaced by the 8 and F16.
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F16
New service F16 route – Westquarter – Callendar Park – Falkirk Town Centre – Westburn Avenue – Mungalhead – Bainsford – Carronshore – Letham – Airth – Fallin – Springkerse Retail Park – Stirling
View service F16 timetable
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17
This service will be replaced by the 2.
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29 Revised route and timetable.
All journeys numbered 29 – Services numbers 29A and 29C discontinued.
In Falkirk, buses will now start and finish on Graham’s Road at Central Retail Park.
Within Armadale all buses will serve North Street and East Main Street.
View service 29 timetable
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X37
MORE BUSES – Now every 30 minutes
Services X3 and X37 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Moodiesburn Cross and Glasgow via Muirhead
In Falkirk, buses will now start and finish on Graham’s Road at Central Retail Park.
View service X37 timetable
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38
IMPROVED EVENING SERVICE between Stirling and Falkirk
All journeys numbered 38 – Services numbers 38A and X38 discontinued.
Within Falkirk, the bus station is no longer served.
Bridgend Village is no longer served – please see service 1. Gyle Centre is no longer served.
View service 38 timetable
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X39
Revised timetable - WATCH THIS SPACE – Direct route and improved timetable to be introduced from 10 September
View service 39 timetable
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F14, F25 and 391 Revised routes – Falkirk Bus Station is no longer served.
X9, 901, 903 These service will no longer operate.
They have a place for mess room but it needs a lot of work done to it but in the meantime bus station will be used for drivers breaks . There will be a bit of dead journeys to and from retail park to depot for reliefs , same from forth valley hosp.