The future of a bus service which links the region to the capital is uncertain.
The 101/102 Dumfries to Edinburgh route was due to be scrapped in August by Stagecoach West Scotland but was given a stay of execution until March next year.
However a number of tenders submitted to take over the route have been deemed unaffordable and a bid to find a more sustainable solution has started.
Campaign group Stand Up For Our Buses is fighting to keep the service going and described the latest update as “worrying”.
Ian Reid from West Linton, said: “Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) say they will continue to engage with bus operators with the intention of finding a solution which offers value for money.
“The concern is that this will mean even more cuts than the loss of one or two runs per day between Biggar and Edinburgh that had already been proposed.
“Stand Up for Our Buses feel there is absolutely no room for any further cuts to the 101/2 service and both councils and the Scottish Government need to step up to the plate and make sure that essential bus services are properly funded.
“We are planning some more community action in the New Year, but in the mean time if you haven’t sent your local councillor or MSP a Christmas message yet now is the time to contact them to let them know (yet again) that the 101/2 service is essential.”
The overall cost of the contract was set to rise by 87 per cent to more than £500,000.
That increase along with “extremely low” passenger usage, were factors in the decision from Stagecoach West Scotland.
It led to protests from passengers along the route and the launching of a petition which received more than 12,000 signatures.
The 59-year-old added: “This bus service can’t just stop. It’s good that SPT have met with us twice and brought us into the process.
“They’ve kept us up to date as best they can. We’re happy they’re including us.
“Swestrans were pleased there was a good response. There’s more than they reasonably expected. The fact there’s been some interest is good.”
