WEST FIFE politicians have teamed up to back a campaign to save a village bus service from being withdrawn.
Douglas Chapman, MP for Dunfermline, and Rosyth councillor Sharon Green-Wilson have said that public transport links are a "lifeline" for villages after hearing about the proposed cutting of the number six bus service from Crombie to Limekilns.
Stagecoach East Scotland has stated it intends to withdraw the service, which runs between Dunfermline town centre and serves the villages of Limekilns, Charlestown and Crombie.
Stagecoach will hold a consultation on the plans and residents are being urged to take part to save the route.
The bus operator says it's planning to withdraw the service as it was under-performing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite interventions to make the service more attractive, it remains unpopular.
However, Stagecoach has promised to continue to run the morning and afternoon school journeys.
If they go ahead, the bus company says the changes will come into effect on September 28.
Mr Chapman said: “At a time where public transport needs to be supported in the short term to make sure we have vital public transport links in the future, I am urging people in Crombie, Charlestown and Limekilns to take part in the consultation, which closes on August 7.
“The local community councils have raised this as a serious issue for the villages served by the No 6 as we have seen throughout this COVID pandemic that not everyone can just jump in a car and go where we want.
“Many people rely on safe, reliable public transport. I hope other solutions can be considered by Stagecoach and that they listen to those who respond to the consultation on the service.”
SNP Councillor Sharon Green-Wilson said: “As a non-driver, I know only too well how important our buses are. I am a regular bus user and recognise such services are a lifeline for our rural villages.
“Cutting out services encourages a car culture and we simply cannot endorse this. I urge Stagecoach to reconsider.”
The public have until tomorrow (August 7) to comment on the change, visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-scotland/service-change-consultation
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