Date: 25th August 2009
MP says ‘Why are there no bus stops?’
Local MP Brian Donohoe is criticising South Ayrshire Council for leaving bus passengers around Prestwick and Ayr stranded and confused, and wondering where all the bus stops have gone.
The MP made his comments following the introduction of new timetables by bus operator Stagecoach, which came into force yesterday (24th August), including alterations to the A2 and A6 services. Mr Donohoe said ‘I have had a number of constituents alerting me to the fact that the re-routing of these services mean that new bus stops are sorely needed. I am very concerned that there are elderly people and others who rely on an efficient bus service who may be wandering up and down the roads desperate to know where they should now catch their buses. As I understand it, the statutory responsibility for providing bus stops lies firmly with South Ayrshire Council, who have been aware of the new timetables for some time. So I ask: why have they failed to respond?’
The MP has contacted Stagecoach, who have told the MP that the council had indicated to them that it would be providing new bus stops. Mr Donohoe said ‘The fact is, the council has literally missed the bus. I can’t understand why this should prove such a difficult task. It is just another example of the inefficiency in providing any kind of services that we have grown to expect from this shambolic council.’