Dundee locals have launched an online campaign demanding urgent improvements to the city’s bus services.
The petition is gathering momentum and already has over 300 signatures.
It was set up by resident Stuart Honeyman on the 38 Degrees campaigning website.
Explaining the petition, he said he was calling on Dundee City Council to restore recently cancelled routes and introduce a ‘simple price-capped fare’.
He also urged council chiefs to speed up the purchase of more electric buses.
Mr Honeyman wrote: “As a first step, we call on Dundee City Council to demand the full implementation of the Scottish Transport Act and provide funds for a municipally-run bus services.
“With cancelled routes, high and discriminatory fares, high levels of pollution from diesel and hybrid vehicles, Dundee’s buses are failing all residents, but particularly the elderly, the vulnerable, those without cars and those living in parts of the city where routes have been withdrawn.”
Locals who signed the petition also added their voices to the online campaigm.
Karoline H wrote- “Right now I am faster cycling than taking the bus anywhere. Because right now there is no bus to my home. Because right now it is very difficult for anyone to visit me. Because not everyone is able to cycle. Because cars are robbing us of places downtown to congregate, play, eat, socialise, walk, run.”
While Andrew L added: “Good, affordable bus services are needed if we are to reduce carbon emissions, air pollution and traffic congestion.”
Mr Honeyman said Dundee should take a leaf out of other UK cities.
He added: “In cities like London and Edinburgh, public control over buses has produced a cheaper and more effective service. In Dundee we should follow these successful models.
“It is clear that greater public control is the only way to deliver the first-class bus service that we need. It will help Dundee address the climate emergency, prevent poverty and isolation, boost the local economy, tackle toxic air pollution and create a people-friendly city.
“Dundee deserves a bus service that works for all of its residents.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “We work in partnership with the bus companies who operate within the city on how best to deliver services for residents.
“The council will however be exploring the options available to us under the new Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.”
- Read more details about the petition here.
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