Dundee bus passengers have been told to prepare for the biggest change to services “since the 1950s” as routes are cut and fares frozen.
Xplore Dundee managing director Christine McGlasson said the industry had been through a “traumatic time” and the changes, due to take effect in January, were essential to put services on a sustainable footing.
However, Labour councillor Richard McCready said the move was disappointing, warning: “They will make it harder for older people and people with mobility difficulties to access bus services.”
Cash needed for ‘non-viable’ routes
Changes are planned for services 1, 17, 28, 18, 32/33 and 36.
Services 29 and 15 will be merged into other routes – the 28 and 17 respectively.
Services 22, 9, 10 and 5 will have smaller changes.
The company has highlighted concerns about a number of routes to communities serving Dryburgh, Elmwood, Lawside, Magdalen Green, Scott Street, The Glens and Woodside.
Its Bus Services for Post Pandemic Dundee paper says these routes are “no longer viable” without money from the council.
Bus company ‘clearly suffering’
Ms McGlasson insisted the changes were for the better.
“It’s the biggest set of changes our bus network has undergone since the 1950s when the core routes were first set up,” she said.
“It will bring benefits to a lot of people. They will see higher frequencies than they have just now. There are new connections.
“We really have thought about how we can get people to where they need to go.”
Fare freeze and new travellers’ app
The changes begin on Sunday, January 24.
The company has frozen fares for 2021 and launched a new mobile app.
“A number of the changes proposed will make it harder for older people and people with mobility difficulties to access bus services.”
It said buses would still run on core routes up to every 10-15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays.
Xplore Dundee hopes 70-80% of passengers travel will return in 2021. Numbers dropped as low as 13% of the previous total during lockdown.
Older people hardest hit
Mr McCready said many of the cuts would not benefit travellers.
“Prior to the pandemic I think we should have been looking for a better bus service in the city. As we build back, we should be looking to build back better,” he said.
“It is disappointing that many services will be on a reduced frequency. It is also disappointing that services like the number 4 which serve areas of my ward like Magdalen Green and the Logie Estate will not be restarting.
“A number of the changes proposed will make it harder for older people and people with mobility difficulties to access bus services.”
Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “We are in regular discussions with Xplore Dundee and other bus companies about services in the city and these conversations will continue.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the difficulties that the transport industry is facing as a result of Covid-19.”
