Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen Donside has criticised the proposed cuts by First Aberdeen to bus services in the city from January next year.
First Aberdeen have announced that the Number 5 service which runs from Dubford to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and then on to Balnagask will be reduced to a once an hour service in the evenings.
The service X80 from Dyce Station to Aberdeen Airport which operates on weekends only will also be withdrawn.
The news comes the day after a Competition Commission report highlighted greater competition in the bus market would benefit passengers.
Mr Adam said:
“This is a terrible Christmas present from First to the residents of Aberdeen.
“Once again my constituents in the Bridge of Don, Danestone and Hilton are having their direct link to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary reduced.
“Buses on the number 5 route in the evening are being halved, leaving it more difficult for residents to visit their relatives at ARI and staff to return from their work.
“I will be meeting with David Stewart in the New Year to discuss these changes and make it known to him that Aberdeen deserves a better service from one of our most successful companies.
“Just yesterday the Competition Commission highlighted that customers could benefit from greater rivalry on routes, and I think residents in Aberdeen will be crying out for a new company to enter the market after today’s announcement.
Mr Adam continued:
“I will also be seeking answers from NEStrans and First as to why the weekend service from Dyce station to the Airport is being cancelled.
“The X80 was meant to show our joined up transport programme in the North East allowing travellers to and from the airport easy access to our rail network.
“I want to know why this has stopped.”
Ends
More information on the service changes is available here:
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/aberdeen/travel_news/service_updates/?item=3451
The competition commission report is available here:
http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/
