Thanks to Val Brand for this report
X10 Update from recent PTUG meeting on 20th May 25.
Breakdowns
An increase in unreliability has been the no1 issue reported by passengers since the start of this year with a huge increase in breakdowns leaving X10 passengers stranded or unable to make appointments or get to work. This particularly affects residents travelling to and from Stirling although Balfron- Glasgow has also reported a rise in breakdowns.
Vehicle Quality
Quality of many vehicles currently running is appalling. When queried, Graeme Leslie, operational manager blamed engineering as the latest reason for this. The current Head of Engineering has left the business and a new Engineering Manager has been appointed. His expertise is in Volvos and he will attend our next meeting. They cite difficulties recruiting engineering staff as well as issues obtaining parts for vehicles. He insisted they are spending a fortune on maintenance. They have brought down some Explore Dundee vehicles to temporarily fill the gaps. Having been on one, it’s not the comfiest bus to travel on as it clatters along the road!
Other representatives reported the same issues on services across Stirling especially on Callander and Hillfoots buses. However, the impact is less as they have more frequency than the X10.
Communication
Still poor delays and cancellations are not being posted on app or it is the wrong information.
No-one at bus station stances to tell if buses are cancelled.
Staff at ticket office don’t know.
We have asked if staff at ticket office in bus station can be updated if there are delays.
App
Passengers report no improvement at all often with wrong or conflicting information.
Similar reply as last meeting the App is provided by a third party who they are in discussions with. Faulty ticket machines which are apparently end of life and will be updated ( again same as last meeting in January) Gps another reason given as to why app doesn’t work.
Driver Complaints
Pleased to report there’s been a big drop in driver complaints since introduction of designated drivers. Still a few issues with a couple of drivers e,g. poor concentration, fast driving with harsh braking between Killearn and Milngavie to make up time is an issue and down Kippen Brae …although much improved this side.
Other driver issues still being reported;
Not looking or speaking to passengers and not wearing name badges provided.
Smoking at Bus Station- No improvement.
Learner drivers – not paying attention.
Fares: drivers overcharging – blamed this on the faulty ticket machines not updating.
Behaviour
Ongoing issue on buses and at bus station.
I met separately with Mark Ruskell MSP and Claire Baker MSP. The Scottish Government are looking at legislation to remove U22 passes for the most serious cases of bad behaviour. Education is also being looked at for future S1 pupils to impress upon them this pass is a privilege and they must abide by the rules of carriage including showing respect to elders and those with disabilities onboard. Parents also need to encourage their children to behave courteously on public transport.
Capacity on X10 Balfron-Stirling 15.35 School Bus.
Graeme cited his reply to the cCCs involved.
We dispute the figures McGills gave in their reply and will continue to monitor this when the new term starts.
Trossachs Explorer
This service will run again this year but with a new operator. Midland Bluebird failed to win the contract for this service. National Park will make an announcement as to when the service starts normally in July.
Other news:
In light of the unreliability issues on X10/X10A which McGills continually blame on roadworks Glasgow side they are considering a further tweak to the timetable possibly in October.
It was raised that previous changes made no difference to the reliability of this service. We also impressed upon Graeme that passengers heading east must be able to go straight through at Balfron and not be left there waiting for connections. They have been asked to consult with PTUG in August re any changes prior to implementing them.
A new shunter has been employed at Balfron which we hope will see an improvement in the cleanliness of vehicles.
Thanks, Val!
