A sweeping set of adjustments to bus services by Stagecoach is on the horizon, scheduled to take effect from November 24th, with significant implications for residents across Perth and Kinross, as well as the wider Fife and Dundee regions. These forthcoming changes follow a period of public consultation that concluded on September 30th and have already ignited strong reactions from communities anticipating reduced connectivity.
For communities in Perth and Kinross, the revisions bring a mixed bag of operational shifts. Notably, the popular 65 service will see an extension to Perth Royal Infirmary, a move that could be welcomed by patients, visitors, and staff relying on public transport for access to crucial healthcare facilities. However, this expansion comes with a significant drawback: the 65 service will now terminate at Newburgh, meaning passengers will lose their direct bus link to Cupar and St Andrews. This alteration could necessitate additional transfers for those traveling from Perth to these Fife destinations, adding both time and complexity to journeys.
The broader regional network is also undergoing considerable restructuring. In Fife, Tayport residents are facing the complete withdrawal of direct services to Cupar, Glenrothes, and St Andrews. This has sparked widespread dissatisfaction, with community members holding public meetings and even contemplating protests to voice their profound disappointment. The existing 42 and 42A services to Tayport will be consolidated into a single route, offering a more frequent 20-minute connection solely between Dundee and Tayport. While increasing frequency on this specific corridor, it undeniably curtails options for multi-destination travel from Tayport, leaving some residents feeling isolated from key towns and amenities.
Another major change is the discontinuation of the X54 service, which currently links Dundee, Cupar, and Glenrothes with Edinburgh. This service is a vital artery for many commuters, students, and leisure travelers, and its removal will undoubtedly impact travel patterns. In its place, Stagecoach plans to introduce additional X59 journeys and a new 40 service, aiming to mitigate the loss of the X54, though the convenience and directness of previous routes may be affected. Similarly, Dalgety Bay will experience fewer services connecting it to the capital, potentially increasing journey times or requiring alternative transport arrangements for those commuting to Edinburgh.
Newburgh, a town within Fife but with strong ties to Perth and Kinross due to its proximity, will also be heavily impacted. Beyond the 65 service changes, Newburgh residents will lose their direct links to Cupar and St Andrews entirely. This could have a ripple effect on local businesses, educational opportunities, and social connections for those accustomed to easy access to these towns. New Services and Revised Routes
Despite these reductions, Stagecoach is also introducing several new routes aimed at enhancing connectivity in other areas. A new 40 service will be launched between Glenrothes, Cupar, and Dundee, providing an alternative for some of the discontinued routes. Additionally, a more direct bus service will connect Cupar to Dundee, potentially streamlining travel for passengers between these two urban centres. For commuters travelling to Edinburgh, a new X57 service will operate from Duloch in Dunfermline, through Halbeath Park & Ride and Ferrytoll Park & Ride.
Other specific route adjustments across the network include:
– **Services 1/1A, 2, and 2A:** Evening and Sunday journeys will be replaced by new 81, 81A, 82, and 82A services. – **Service 4A:** Will no longer serve John Stuart Gait in Oakley, instead routing via Saline turning circle. – **Service 5:** Will operate exclusively during weekday peak hours. – **Service 36:** Extended to operate between Auchtermuchty and Newburgh on Sundays. – **Service 38:** Will see its frequency reduced to an hourly basis. – **Service 41:** Revised to include more journeys between Tayport and Dundee on Sundays. – **Service 42:** Will now exclusively run between Dundee and Tayport, with an increased 20-minute frequency. The Moffat and Williamson 77 service already provides a link between Tayport and St Andrews. – **Service X59:** Increased frequency as part of a 20-minute service between Glenrothes and Edinburgh, maintaining an hourly connection to St Andrews. – **Services X60 and X60A:** These will be withdrawn and replaced by the X61 service. Dalgety Bay will continue to be served by the X58. – **Service X61:** Extended to St Andrews, no longer serving Dalgety Bay.
Community Concerns and Operator Response
The proposed changes have drawn criticism, particularly from North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie, who accused Stagecoach of ‘cherry picking’ profitable routes and merely ‘paying lip service’ to the public consultation process. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among residents that essential community links are being sacrificed in favour of commercial viability.
In response, David Frenz, interim managing director for Stagecoach East Scotland, acknowledged the public’s participation, stating that their ‘views and opinions are valued and we’ve shaped the plans accordingly.’ He emphasized that the decisions were ‘data-led,’ based on ‘detailed analysis of passenger demand,’ and designed to ‘improve punctuality, reliability and connections across the network.’
Frenz further added, ‘We’re aware that these plans may not suit everyone’s needs and requirements. We remain in dialogue with Fife Council to explore options for areas with low passenger usage that mean services operating commercially are no longer viable. We understand Fife Council are working with other local operators to maintain socially necessary links.’ This statement highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing commercial pressures with the need to provide vital public transport, particularly in less densely populated areas that might rely heavily on these connections for access to larger towns, employment, and essential services.
As these changes loom, local authorities within Perth and Kinross will undoubtedly be monitoring the impact on their communities, working to ensure that residents continue to have adequate access to key destinations, whether for work, education, or leisure. The adjustments underscore the dynamic nature of public transport planning and the constant negotiation between economic realities and community needs.
For communities in Perth and Kinross, the revisions bring a mixed bag of operational shifts. Notably, the popular 65 service will see an extension to Perth Royal Infirmary, a move that could be welcomed by patients, visitors, and staff relying on public transport for access to crucial healthcare facilities. However, this expansion comes with a significant drawback: the 65 service will now terminate at Newburgh, meaning passengers will lose their direct bus link to Cupar and St Andrews. This alteration could necessitate additional transfers for those traveling from Perth to these Fife destinations, adding both time and complexity to journeys.
The broader regional network is also undergoing considerable restructuring. In Fife, Tayport residents are facing the complete withdrawal of direct services to Cupar, Glenrothes, and St Andrews. This has sparked widespread dissatisfaction, with community members holding public meetings and even contemplating protests to voice their profound disappointment. The existing 42 and 42A services to Tayport will be consolidated into a single route, offering a more frequent 20-minute connection solely between Dundee and Tayport. While increasing frequency on this specific corridor, it undeniably curtails options for multi-destination travel from Tayport, leaving some residents feeling isolated from key towns and amenities.
Another major change is the discontinuation of the X54 service, which currently links Dundee, Cupar, and Glenrothes with Edinburgh. This service is a vital artery for many commuters, students, and leisure travelers, and its removal will undoubtedly impact travel patterns. In its place, Stagecoach plans to introduce additional X59 journeys and a new 40 service, aiming to mitigate the loss of the X54, though the convenience and directness of previous routes may be affected. Similarly, Dalgety Bay will experience fewer services connecting it to the capital, potentially increasing journey times or requiring alternative transport arrangements for those commuting to Edinburgh.
Newburgh, a town within Fife but with strong ties to Perth and Kinross due to its proximity, will also be heavily impacted. Beyond the 65 service changes, Newburgh residents will lose their direct links to Cupar and St Andrews entirely. This could have a ripple effect on local businesses, educational opportunities, and social connections for those accustomed to easy access to these towns. New Services and Revised Routes
Despite these reductions, Stagecoach is also introducing several new routes aimed at enhancing connectivity in other areas. A new 40 service will be launched between Glenrothes, Cupar, and Dundee, providing an alternative for some of the discontinued routes. Additionally, a more direct bus service will connect Cupar to Dundee, potentially streamlining travel for passengers between these two urban centres. For commuters travelling to Edinburgh, a new X57 service will operate from Duloch in Dunfermline, through Halbeath Park & Ride and Ferrytoll Park & Ride.
Other specific route adjustments across the network include:
– **Services 1/1A, 2, and 2A:** Evening and Sunday journeys will be replaced by new 81, 81A, 82, and 82A services. – **Service 4A:** Will no longer serve John Stuart Gait in Oakley, instead routing via Saline turning circle. – **Service 5:** Will operate exclusively during weekday peak hours. – **Service 36:** Extended to operate between Auchtermuchty and Newburgh on Sundays. – **Service 38:** Will see its frequency reduced to an hourly basis. – **Service 41:** Revised to include more journeys between Tayport and Dundee on Sundays. – **Service 42:** Will now exclusively run between Dundee and Tayport, with an increased 20-minute frequency. The Moffat and Williamson 77 service already provides a link between Tayport and St Andrews. – **Service X59:** Increased frequency as part of a 20-minute service between Glenrothes and Edinburgh, maintaining an hourly connection to St Andrews. – **Services X60 and X60A:** These will be withdrawn and replaced by the X61 service. Dalgety Bay will continue to be served by the X58. – **Service X61:** Extended to St Andrews, no longer serving Dalgety Bay.
Community Concerns and Operator Response
The proposed changes have drawn criticism, particularly from North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie, who accused Stagecoach of ‘cherry picking’ profitable routes and merely ‘paying lip service’ to the public consultation process. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among residents that essential community links are being sacrificed in favour of commercial viability.
In response, David Frenz, interim managing director for Stagecoach East Scotland, acknowledged the public’s participation, stating that their ‘views and opinions are valued and we’ve shaped the plans accordingly.’ He emphasized that the decisions were ‘data-led,’ based on ‘detailed analysis of passenger demand,’ and designed to ‘improve punctuality, reliability and connections across the network.’
Frenz further added, ‘We’re aware that these plans may not suit everyone’s needs and requirements. We remain in dialogue with Fife Council to explore options for areas with low passenger usage that mean services operating commercially are no longer viable. We understand Fife Council are working with other local operators to maintain socially necessary links.’ This statement highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing commercial pressures with the need to provide vital public transport, particularly in less densely populated areas that might rely heavily on these connections for access to larger towns, employment, and essential services.
As these changes loom, local authorities within Perth and Kinross will undoubtedly be monitoring the impact on their communities, working to ensure that residents continue to have adequate access to key destinations, whether for work, education, or leisure. The adjustments underscore the dynamic nature of public transport planning and the constant negotiation between economic realities and community needs.