Bus passengers in Blackburn are furious this morning after realising all services to Bathgate have been cancelled for the entire day and tonight.
Locals took to Facebook to express their anger after realising the 21 - which also takes in Bathgate, Whitburn, Armadale and Livingston - been axed by McGill’s Eastern for all of today - with one hitting out: "No buses to and from Bathgate today."
We reported last week how fed up passengers are with the service. A protest has been organised for outside the Civic Centre in Livingston for 10.30am next Tuesday. A petition has also been launched to save services.
McGill’s Eastern Scottish took over the running of most of the bus network last September from First Bus but has been met with mounting criticism since over reliability and cutting services.
They have also implemented a policy of not allowing passengers on with mobility scooters and recently announced cuts to services.
People on the Blackburn community Facebook page hit out this morning.
Shona-ann Elliott said: “This isn’t right, how are you meant to get to work? They want people to use public transport, how can you when it doesn’t exist!”
Steven Wark added: “Buses are an absolute joke these days.”
Craig R Byers said: “Something needs to be done. Its getting worse every day. Its not like they make it fair cancelling 21s one day and another service the other day. Its always the 21.”
Last month McGill’s informed the council of their intent to revise their network. This will see a reduction in very early morning services, evening services and the removal of Sunday services.
The cuts will hit smaller communities from Blackridge to Winchburgh.
On its website, mcGill’s said of the 21’s cancellation: “Due to the current national driver shortage, which is affecting all sectors, the journeys listed below are expected to be affected.
This page will be updated as and when further journey information becomes available.
Our aim is to have all cancellation information posted with as much notice as possible, but sometimes due to circumstances outwith our control changes may be posted at very short notice or occasionally, after the timetabled journey start time. We have now developed the update process to improve accuracy throughout the day and we advise checking the page regularly for the latest information on your journey.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please be assured all of our staff are working hard to operate our services to the fullest and appreciate your understanding during this period.”
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