A Kilwinning councillor is urging more North Ayrshire residents to use 'lifeline' bus services after vital route removals.
Labour councillor Donald Reid reached out to Stagecoach to clarify their stance on the removal of the X34/X36 service; a direct link between North Ayrshire and Glasgow.
In a letter to councillor Reid, a Stagecoach spokesperson stood firm on their decision to axe vital services due to inflation, supply chain costs and low passenger rates.
A spokesperson communicated to Mr Reid: "Passenger numbers continue to be significantly below pre pandemic levels with many people changing their working and travel patterns.
"As you will be aware inflation is high with sharply rising costs of living and increased supply chain costs. That is why our network changes previously announced reflect the commercial sustainability of services and are not predicated on any additional government support.
"As a result it is correct and proper that we evolve our business to reflect the current travel patterns of our customers
"The X34/X36 services were loss making pre pandemic, however the impact of poor passenger recovery levels compared to other routes, and higher costs have pushed the losses on this service to an unsustainable level, one which threatens to destabilise the wider network of services in North Ayrshire."
Stagecoach have now announced a number of revised changes to their network which were set to affect the Garnock Valley following customer feedback.
An online petition was also launched to save the service, which has garnered over 5000 signatures.
The spokesperson added: "We acknowledge the feedback from residents in the Garnock Valley since the announcement and we will introduce a revised timetable which will operate morning and evening peak time journeys between Ardrossan and Glasgow."
Now the X36 will operate an hourly service between Dalry and Glasgow. These services will be operated on a fully commercial basis by Stagecoach West Scotland. Those passengers travelling between the Garnock Valley and Irvine or the three Towns can use the local 25 and 11 services.
Stagecoach have also held discussions with SPT who are set to introduce a small number of additional early morning services on the 25 and as an X36A on Sunday's.
Councillor Donald Reid responded: "I welcome the clarity from Stagecoach and this ends the uncertainty on routes.
"The majority of changes proposed are to take place on July 17 as previously announced with no extension to those dates.
"Stagecoach have responded to customer feedback and will trial a limited peak time service only morning and evening from Dalry to Glasgow only.
"SPT has had to step in to keep the early morning Sunday service to Glasgow running as there are no trains and a first thing service to assist communities.
"I'd encourage passengers to use these services as stagecoach's commercial peak service will be watched by them. The SPT service will operate as a lifeline but does also need passengers to sustain it."
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