MSP steers campaign to save Elgin bus
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A LABOUR MSP is driving forward a fight to save the 340/341 Elgin bus service – the primary users of which are elderly.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart pressed on this week after making a pledge to bus users to do what he can to help save the closure-threatened bus route, operated by Macduff-based Deveron Coaches.
Mr Stewart boarded the bus last Friday to hear how many passengers rely on the service to attend medical appointments.
The politician has written to Scotland’s Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson, calling for urgent funding to keep the well-used circular service on the road.
He also passed on a 448-name petition to the minister on behalf of local campaigner Sara Marsh and met Hitrans officials earlier this week.
Meetings are also scheduled with Stagecoach bosses and a request to meet Moray Council chief executive Roddy Burns has been issued.
Mr Stewart reaffirmed his commitment to leading the fight for better bus services.
He said: "Bus services have really taken a hit in recent times and it’s high time we saw some government investment coming down the line to protect these vital services.
"It’s time to be asking some tough questions of the government on improving public transport which vitally, in turn, will help to improve air quality. The government must look at ring-fencing some support for buses."
Retired Buckie High School librarian Sara Marsh, from Morriston Road, Bishopmill, has been using the bus for the last four years since Deveron Coaches won the tender to operate the route. She sent copies of her petition to the council’s chief executive and local councillors arguing that the issue is "worthy of cross-party support".
Mrs Marsh said: "I thank David Stewart MSP for supporting the 340/341 bus service.
"I am sure he saw for himself that this is not just any old bus service – this is a community service and a very important one for the health and wellbeing of many people who use it.
"A 94-year-old passenger told me if it wasn’t for the bus he would not be able to go out every day. It takes him an hour just to walk to the nearest shop for his paper.
"As a society, we are supposed to be tackling issues of isolation and social exclusion and this bus service does both. It should be supported on environmental grounds too.
"Fewer cars on Elgin’s roads is surely a good thing. I would hope that all the elected representatives of Moray would be getting behind David Stewart by helping to save the service."
The bus route is to be axed on September 7 when a funding pot managed by the council – which has been supplied by a housing developer – is due to run dry.
WATCH: Sara Marsh on why the bus service is a lifeline
