Month: April 2012

We’ve just got a copy of this news release. On the face of it this is disappointing news, but perhaps not unsurprising. Some political mileage is going to be extracted by the opposition parties, but this should not distract any of the parties from finding short and longer term solutions. But what do members think?

NEWS RELEASE FROM JIM HUME MSP

Jim Hume, South of Scotland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, has criticised the SNP in East Lothian for misleading local people on the cuts to bus services imposed by the SNP government.

Continue reading EAST LOTHIAN SNP LEFT RED FACED AFTER CAMPAIGNING ON ILLEGAL BUS PLAN

In the light of recent announcements we thought it would be a good idea to set out some of the steps we can all take to ensure the politicians and operators respond appropriately. We are encouraging all RELBUS members to make personal representations to elected members, your local councillors and community councillors. Get support from your MSP to urge Government to step in and support the transition to a new provider, but also to look again at the regulations. Don’t know who to write to? Try this link to find contact details of your representatives.

Here are some points you can make in your letters, emails and attendance to surgeries.

Continue reading Bus cuts – campaigning for a better service

We’ve found a way of aggregating the latest bus news from a variety of local and national sources, without lifting a finger.

You can get to the page straight from the top menu of relbus.org.uk or via this link:

Bus News

Hopefully it will save you all a bit of time keeping track of events as they evolve.

PS I see that we already have a mention in this week’s Courier. We’ve spoken to Paul Mclennan and exhorted him to consider Relbus representation on any joint working group and that whatever is created has to be better than what it replaces.

We will try and arrange a meeting at the earliest opportunity with Paul Mclennan.

Transport Minister Keith Brown today met East Lothian Council leader Paul McLennan and First Group’s Neil Barker to discuss changes to bus services in the area.

The Minister offered his support to East Lothian and Midlothian councils in finding a way forward for areas affected by First Bus’s decision to withdraw some services across the region.

With First Bus confirming that their disappointing decision comes after years of poor trading and rising fuel prices the Minister met with Cllr McLennan to discuss options for the future.

Transport Scotland will be made available to assist East Lothian and Midlothian in finding solutions and the Minister will also discuss service provision with First and Lothian buses.

Following the meeting with the Minister First Bus will also provide information to the council on the services being withdrawn to help them develop alternative plans.

Continue reading An opportunity for RELBUS to influence rural bus services for the better?