Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson believes the removal of the 547 McGills bus service to Upper Skelmorlie will not have a detrimental effect in future.
The move to introduce a dial a bus style ‘Connect and Go’ service between Upper Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay has been criticised by regular users of the service.
Mr Gibson said: “According to McGills, changes in passenger habits and declining usage mean that the current 547 service is no longer sustainable or viable. Unfortunately, as a company, McGills management are well within their rights to adapt their business and service provision as they see fit. They are not under the control of North Ayrshire Council or the Scottish or UK Parliaments, and this service is not publicly subsidised in any way, so nobody can force them to continue offering a service which does not raise enough revenue to cover the costs of its operation.
“While I understand that residents of Upper Skelmorlie may be upset by the change, it is important to note that they are not being left without a service. McGill’s new Connect&Go! service will pick residents up and drop them off as close as possible to their homes, and can be used for travel throughout Upper Skelmorlie with links to and from Wemyss Bay Rail Station and Ferry terminal. From there, passengers can connect with local McGill’s services and indeed others.
“For customers looking for immediate travel, McGill’s Connect&Go service promises to be with residents within 10 minutes or less after they book, which some may even see as an improvement to waiting at the bus stop for the service at its scheduled time. You can also make advance bookings at your convenience.
“McGills have committed to delivering information regarding this new service to every house in Skelmorlie, with a leaflet to explain how the service operates and what hours you can book the bus to and from.
“As long as residents are informed about the change and what services are now available to them, I do not believe the removal of the 547 service will have a detrimental impact. However, customers are always free to make complaints to McGills directly about their services, and can do so by calling 0800 051 5651.
“Alternatively, SPT could be asked through North Ayrshire Council if they would consider subsidising the existing route. I would expect however, given the new service McGills is introducing that this would be unlikely to gain SPT support.”