Bus Service Changes

Over the past few weeks, many constituents have contacted me about the sudden and significant changes to local bus services across North East Fife. As your MP, I share those concerns and I want to update you on the work I’ve been doing to push for clarity, accountability, and a public transport network that works for everyone.

Stagecoach East Scotland has introduced substantial alterations to its timetable, including the withdrawal or shortening of key routes such as the 42 and 65. These changes are already having a major impact on commuters, students, and residents who rely on these services every day.

Under the new timetable, the 42 and 42A, which previously connected Dundee, Tayport, Cupar, Glenrothes and St Andrews, have been replaced with a revised 42 route running only between Dundee and Tayport. The 36 service has also been withdrawn entirely. As a result, direct links have been lost for several communities in Fife, and local passengers are understandably worried.

In response to the gaps left by Stagecoach, Moffat & Williamson have stepped in with new or amended services, including the 77/77A, 63, 35/35A and M36. I’m grateful for the effort they are making, but they’ve also been clear with me that the knock-on effects of Stagecoach’s decisions have forced unavoidable changes to their own routes.

For example:

• The 63 service now terminates at Cupar because its previous extension to Leuchars and Guardbridge required significantly more running time. At the same time, Moffat & Williamson needed to introduce a replacement service between Cupar and Newburgh after Stagecoach withdrew theirs.

  
  

• Major roadworks between Cupar and St Andrews, ongoing for the past year and expected to continue for at least four more months, have caused severe disruption, particularly through Leuchars and Guardbridge. This has further affected reliability and route planning.

  
  

My team and I have been in constant communication with Stagecoach, Moffat & Williamson and Fife Council to ensure residents’ concerns are heard. I have written directly to Stagecoach seeking clarity on the rationale behind these changes, the impact assessments carried out, and what support will be offered to affected passengers. I was disappointed that their response suggests the changes will not be reversed, but that will not stop me from continuing to push for answers.

I am also working closely with Willie Rennie MSP, who has been raising this issue in the Scottish Parliament. He has been clear that these changes highlight a much bigger problem: the need for proper long-term planning and accountability in Scotland’s bus network. Willie recently met with Moffat & Williamson to discuss the potential for franchising, something that could give local communities greater control over routes and help prevent constant, disruptive timetable changes.

Although regulation of bus services is the responsibility of the Scottish Government, Willie and I are determined to use every avenue available to advocate for better outcomes for North East Fife.

Reliable, accessible public transport is vital, particularly in rural communities like ours. The sudden withdrawal or alteration of key routes has left many people struggling to get to work, attend school or medical appointments, or simply stay connected. I understand how disruptive and worrying this is, and I will continue pressing operators and the Scottish Government for a bus network that is reliable, sustainable and genuinely meets the needs of our communities.

If you’ve been affected by these changes, please do get in touch with my office. Hearing directly from residents helps me raise these concerns more forcefully with operators and the council.