Issue - meetings

Update from Councillor Blair

Allan Comrie reinforced that SPT administer the concessionary scheme on behalf of the 12 associated councils and are not involved in setting fares. Mr Comrie advised that an increase of concessionary fares may be implemented in early 2025 if agreed by the Concessionary Fare Committee.

Councillor Blair highlighted that he is arranging a meeting with SPT to discuss this matter and that he would update the Forum on these discussions.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update on SPT Concessionary fares.  

Update from Kilmun Community Council

Kerris Bone of Kilmun Community Council highlighted their disappointment regarding the lack of a late night bus service to the locality and that a Community Council suported consultation exercise had demonstrated there was a clear demand for it. Miss Bone advised that the reintroduction of such a  service would make a big difference to the people living in rural areas and asked what West Coast Motors was going to do about it?

Jeff McCormick of West Coast Motors (WCM) advised that he was not aware of any feedback, but would be willing to revisit the timetable with the Council and seek to make improvements where possible.

Councillor Sinclair supported Kilmun Community Council position and encouraged West Coast Motors to explore options for introducing a late night bus.

Kirstie Reid, Strachur Community Council stated that Kerris had done some good work with the consultation but that it had been undermined by ScotRail changing their timetable.   Kirstie also advised that she had received an email from Mr Arnold, Argyll and Bute Council, explaining that the bus service was cut due to the number of users being down 38%.  On studying this further she stated that the bus route was cut by 50%.  She also requested that WCM consider reinstating the 5.50pm bus service and the Saturday morning service, adding that not having these services were impeding school kids taking on a job.

David Clough asked if there was a problem with the West Coast Motors app, as the drivers were not stopping at bus stops identified on it.  Mr McCormick advised that the app is accurate and the Council are responsible for the bus stops, however a new member of staff has recently started with the Council and hopefully the timetables and bus stops will be brought up to date and co-ordinated.

Outcome

The Forum noted the Kilmun Community Council Bus Service Survey.

(Reference: Kilmun Community Council Bus Service Survey, submitted)