MSP Joan McAlpine and local people led a day of action today (Monday) to continue the campaign to save the 101/102 bus service from Dumfries to Edinburgh.
The MSP joined local activists in Moffat to speak to residents who will be impacted if the route is scrapped.
The service faces the axe in August due to Tory run Scottish Borders Council’s plans to cut its contribution towards the annual running costs.
Ms McAlpine commented:
“The strength of feeling against the funding cuts to the 101/2 route was very clear chatting to people in Moffat. Many talked about how they used the bus as a vital link to neighbouring towns like Beattock and Thornhill, as well as to Dumfries and Edinburgh.
“The three local authority areas covered by the service currently all chip in to pay for it – but if Borders Council pull their share then the service is likely to be axed. While it looks like provision for Borders’ residents may be safe, the service is a vital connection for people in Dumfries and Galloway, particularly in areas like Moffat and Thornhill.
The MSP – who has written to Borders Council urging the local authority to reverse its decision – added:
“The threat to axe the service flies in the face of the Scottish Government’s new proposed economic partnership, and efforts to bring the south of Scotland together.
“Rural areas need more public transport links, not fewer, and Borders Council has a responsibility to work together with neighbouring local authorities in the region to maintain this service.”
