Stagecoach has rejected a call for extended public consultation over proposed changes to its Perth bus services.
Councillor Willie Wilson had called for more time for the public to formulate their thoughts on the plans and to submit them.
Ending on Friday, only a week was given for public comment which Mr Wilson felt was inadequate and prompted him to approach Stagecoach asking for more time.
“Many members of the travelling public have only become aware of these proposals through local newspaper and Facebook publicity over the last 48 hours,” he said.
“The changes proposed for a number of routes are radical and we really need to allow time for the information to be digested by the public before we can expect them to react. I think at least one more week of consultation should take place.
“The proposal to merge the number 7 service with the Broxden park and ride has proved the most controversial, whilst increased frequency and improved journeys in the evening and on Sundays are to be welcomed, the extended journey times involved in Stagecoach’s proposals and virtually chopping off most services to a huge area in Cherrybank are causing major concerns.
“The Oakbank Crescent/Oakbank Road/Cleeve area will go from the current 12/15 minutes service during the day to one bus an hour – this is unacceptable.
“Other parts of the proposals involving discontinuing numbers 12 and 13 services are also controversial.”
Stagecoach said it had been working with Perth and Kinross Council since early June reviewing the network of services and rejected the idea more consultation was required.
Douglas Robertson, commercial director Stagecoach East Scotland said: “Our proposals are designed to improve the longer term sustainability of the bus network and recognise the financial pressures on both bus operators and also on local authorities.
“We recognise that changes to services are disruptive to our customers but extending consultation further will not avoid that changes are necessary in the current economic climate.”
The company said it had received a “good level of response” during the consultation and was aware of Mr Wilson’s concerns.
