Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bid to get buses running on time
DUNDEE’S biggest bus operator is launching a public consultation over potential changes to services in Fintry and Maryfield.
Xplore Dundee is looking to improve the reliability of services 32 and 33 — which bosses admit rarely run on time.
The company is set to consult with various communities served by the routes, including Fintry, Linlathen, Maryfield, Mill o’ Mains, Stobswell and Whitfield, through a series of public meetings throughout November.
Members of the public are also being invited to express their views via email or phone or by submitting a comment card, which can be posted or dropped into the Travel Centre in Commercial Street.
Managing director Elsie Turbyne said: “We’re carrying out this route review because we think it might be time to make some alterations to these services which would not only improve reliability but also extend the public transport provision for local people.
“We want to make sure the people who use these services get the chance to have their say.
“We realise that, for many of these communities, the bus is the main link helping people to access friends and relatives, as well as shops and other amenities.
“We’re giving this route special attention because of the scale of the potential changes to this long-standing service, but before we make any decisions we need to know what people want and what kind of service they are most likely to use. I would encourage local residents to come along to the meetings and help us to shape the future transport provision for their community.
“The big challenge with these services is the very busy Forfar Road. Rising volumes of traffic on this trunk road combined with an ongoing programme of roadworks throughout Dundee have made it extremely difficult for us to keep the 32 and 33 running to time.
“We’re also examining the surrounding areas and notice a number of changes which have taken place or are planned for this part of the city, including new housing developments.”
The results of the consultation will be published in January and any changes will be implemented next spring.
The first meetings are tomorrow — at the North East Regeneration Forum at The Crescent at 6pm and the Stobswell Forum at Arthurstone Library at 7pm.