Scots council invites Border Counties want private operators better bus service
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• East Kilbride New Town is seeking authority from the Secretary of State for Scotland for additional bus services within the town to supplement or replace Central SMT services. There have been numerous complaints over the years alleging inadequate service and long delays, resulting in dislocation of industry and school work. Central has explained its difficulties, which arise out of staff shortages.
East Kilbride town council contends that Central cannot cope with the work and has asked private operators within the area to apply to the Scottish Traffic Commissioners for licences to operate within the new burgh.
Similar complaints were made in the Hamilton /Motherwell area where similar staff shortages apply. • The joint planning advisory committee for the Border Counties is asking Scottish Omnibuses to improve the Edinburgh-Hawick bus service by introduction of limited stop routes, as replacement for the lost rail link. It also asks that buses on this route be equipped with toilets.
Failing a satisfactory outcome of this new approach, the committee will seek Ministry of Transport intervention.
When the rail link was cut the Government promised suitable alternative bus services; the area contends that this is not being done and that the existing services are not satisfactory. Scottish Omnibuses have not provided a limited stop service but have adjusted services to meet the situation.