Changes are afoot for bus services. Stagecoach is looking for comments now from passengers ahead of registering the new timetables which kick in from 1 May. Further information is available on the website.
The proposals include improvements to connections between Aberdeen and Stonehaven with an amended and more consistent route through Portlethen. The frequency between Portlethen and Aberdeen will be revised to every 20 minutes Monday – Saturday. The X6 service will be replaced with new X7 journeys, operated by Stagecoach Bluebird. These will be offered in addition to the X7 journeys operated by Stagecoach East Scotland. The 7A/7B/7C services will be replaced with a simplified 7/7B service.
The company says all feedback is welcome and should be sent to nscotmarketing@stagecoachbus.com no later than Friday 10 March.
The Stagecoach information event in Portlethen about bus timetable changes will be on Tuesday 7 March at Asda between 1- 6pm.
Note that, the once daily bus, around St Michael’s Road, Newtonhill, to and from Aberdeen, has yet again been removed from the draft timetable.
This bus coincides too closely with the opening and closing times of the school, with parents dropping off and picking children. It might be better if the bus to Aberdeen, passed the school at 9.30 am and returned around 2.30 or earlier, avoiding the school race, sorry I mean rush.
This bus is essential and must be retained.
It has been a hard battle to retain that service. I hope you will have sent your comments to Stagecoach – the more people who do so the better.
There must be an Aberdeenshire Council and bus companies acknowledgement that there is still no bus service for Muchalls. The trial period for the current mini bus service which only runs three times a week is due to come to an end at the end of this month. The tiiming of the bus ( leaves Muchalls at 9 – 15 to take passengers across the A90 D/C to Newtonhill Park and Choose ) is linked to school times, school terms and in – service closure days when no service runs.
Therefore, although we are grateful to the Counciol for supporting the trial, because of the timing and because Muchalls residents use their own transport ( simply because they never have had a proper bus service as an option ), numbers using the mini – bus service since the trial started have been small. Nonetheless, those passengers have appreciated being able to get to Newtonhill ( Tesco ), Portletheen or Aberdeen far more safely than having to walk half a mile up to the D/C and try to cross it in the face of hurtling traffic at any time of day or nigh, especiually for an agein population which is increasing.
While I know that there has been much discussoion on the provision of a public bus service in and out of Muchalls, which has been discounted on a ( safety and b) financial viability, I believe that further attention to this vital social need is needed. I do not accept that the safety aspects cannot be re – considered especially when two school buses come ind out of the village every school day ie four times. If there is concern on safety then it is somewhat hypocritical to use these as an excuse when none is expressed regarding the safety of the children.
In comparison to the manoevres which buses have to make through the hills, tight bends and narrow streets of Newtonhill, Gourdon and Johnshaven, Muchalls must be assesserd as much less complicated. There are possible turning places in the square and at the village hall car park. Dunnyfell road was even widened in the seventies to allow for school buses.
I am convinced, together with other residents, that people would use a regular service if provided. The social need and the environmental dividend should overide financial aspects.
There is also a safety dividend as fewer folk would use theiur cars in order to turn right to get to Aberdeen or other places to the north.thereby cutting down the daily challenge of accessing the A90. Posted Saturday, 4th March, 2017.
You make some very good points Hugh. The trial has been useful – I was told the other day that there used to be three or so passengers each time, but this has dropped to one passenger per trip. My understanding is that the timing is a bit of a problem, with there often being a long wait at the park and choose for a scheduled service bus. The information you have provided is most helpful and I have asked the transportation team to take it into account when the results of trial are being considered.