A quieter Kincardine and Mearns Bus Forum tonight – 13 members of the public and six councillors. But there were still a number of issues that caught my eye:
– The Union Square bus station is at capacity. Stagecoach is pressing for improvements. Real time arrival and departure screens should be in place shortly.
– Complaints about the design of the X7 (and the Buchan Express) buses has been raised at the highest level in Stagecoach and with the manufacturer Plaxton. Concerns centre on the steps and the lack of bells. Several complaints were voiced during the meeting about the buses being full, leaving would-be passengers at stops. Newtonhill community council chairman Michael Morgan called for a more frequent service.
– More mini hubs like the Newtonhill park and choose are being considered by Aberdeenshire Council across the county.
– There has been a reduction in the number of buses going via the Gateway business park.
– There was a request for an extra service via Berrymuir Road into Aberdeen to bride the evening gap between the 1703 and 1908 services. Diverting the 1808 from Badentoy is to be considered by Stagecoach.
– The A2B dial-a-bus timetable will be corrected when reprinted where is currently says Portlethen to Portlethen, when one should say Old Portlethen.
– A range of other issues were also discussed including a lack of service to Luthermuir and Fettercairn, services on the North Deeside Road (newer buses introduced from today), and links to Stonehaven medical centre.
– The next meeting will be in September.