Wendy Chamberlain MP pushes for clarity over major bus service changes across North East Fife
Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, has called for urgent clarity and reassurances following significant changes to local bus services operated by Stagecoach East Scotland.
The alterations, which include the withdrawal and shortening of key routes such as the 42 and 65, are having a major impact on commuters, students, and residents who depend on these services.
Under the new timetable, the existing 42 and 42A routes connecting Dundee, Tayport, Cupar, Glenrothes and St Andrews will be replaced by a revised 42 service running only between Dundee and Tayport. The 36 service has also been completely withdrawn. This change removes direct links for several communities in Fife and has raised widespread concern among local passengers.
In response, Moffat & Williamson has announced new and amended services, including the 77/77A, 63, 35/35A and M36, in an effort to fill the gaps left by Stagecoach’s reductions. However, the operator has confirmed that some changes to existing routes have been unavoidable, such as:
- The 63 service is now terminating at Cupar due to the additional running time required of it continued its original route to Leuchars and Guardbridge, combined with the need to create a replacement service between Cupar and Newburgh after Stagecoach withdrew theirs.
- Severe disruption caused by ongoing and upcoming roadworks between Cupar and St Andrews, which have significantly affected reliability over the past year and will continue to do so for at least four more months, particularly through Leuchars and Guardbridge.
Ms Chamberlain and her team have been in ongoing communication with Stagecoach, Moffat & Williamson and Fife Council, ensuring the concerns of residents are heard, pushing for further consideration, openness and review.
In addition, Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, has been pushing for further discussion regarding the long-term sustainability of our bus service and raising the wider impact of Stagecoach’s timetable changes in the Scottish Parliament. He also met with Moffat & Williamson to discuss the possible introduction of franchising which could lead to greater local control of services and prevent constant changes to routes and timetables.
Although bus service regulation sits with the Scottish Government, Wendy and Willie are working together to press for better oversight and better outcomes for rural communities.
Ms Chamberlain said: “Reliable and accessible public transport is vital for people across North East Fife, particularly in our rural communities. The sudden changes to the 42 service and others have left many residents facing real difficulty in getting to work, school, medical appointments or simply staying connected.
“I’ve previously written to Stagecoach seeking urgent clarity and pressing them to explain how they intend to support passengers affected by these decisions, and was disappointed that their response indicated the changes won’t be reversed. It’s crucial that operators and the council work together to ensure no community is left without a viable transport link.
“While I welcome Moffat & Williamson stepping in to provide some replacement services, their explanation shows clearly how Stagecoach’s timetable changes have placed additional pressure on smaller operators. This is exactly why Willie Rennie has been challenging the Scottish Government on the need for better planning and accountability.
“People are rightly frustrated, and I understand just how disruptive and worrying these sudden timetable changes are. I will continue working with operators, Fife Council and Willie to push for a bus network that is reliable, sustainable and meets the needs of all our communities.”
Wendy Chamberlain is urging constituents impacted by the bus service changes to get in touch with her office so she can raise their concerns directly with transport operators and Fife Council.