Bus changes made - ?but more still demanded

MORE changes to bus timetables have been introduced following feedback from passengers, but the status of Moffat’s early morning 74 service is unchanged.

Officials say several enhancements have now been introduced to support school pupils and communities, including splitting a previously merged Dumfries town service back into four separate routes.

Council leader Stephen Thompson, said: “We’re listening carefully to the feedback on recent changes to the bus network, especially from parents and carers. The council remains committed to meeting our statutory obligation to provide safe and reliable home-to-school transport for entitled pupils.

“Improving the network is an ongoing priority and some of the solutions we have put in place are short-term while we work closely with operators to find longer-term improvements.”

However, there’s been no move to reintroduce the early morning 74 service from Moffat to Dumfries despite a petition that has now surpassed 500 signatures.

Campaigner Donald Kerner is delighted at the response and said: “When I initially started the petition, I had concerns it would plateau at around 100-150, but when it reached 300 so rapidly, I was overfilled with joy.”

He dismissed council and Stagecoach explanations of not enough passengers, saying: “They are not looking at the bigger picture, as well as not looking specifically at the 7.40 am service, but rather all four services: 6.55 am leaving Dumfries; 8.50 am leaving Dumfries, 9.40 am leaving Moffat, which weren’t always as popular.

“Houston’s and McCalls response is that they just don’t have the capacity available, which intrigues me since Houston’s managed to find a bus and driver out of thin air for the two through Heathhall, and McCalls also managed to find a bus and driver for the morning 246 for Wallace Hall students in Thornhill.

“What is it that makes Wallace Hall students more valuable than those at Dumfries and Galloway College, Barony College and Dumfries Academy?

“I think with this amount of signatures, the council will have to escalate it further.”