Stagecoach Update

Reliable, affordable public transport is a lifeline for many people in North East Fife. Whether it’s getting to work, school, medical appointments, or visiting family and friends, bus services connect our communities. When they’re cut, it’s often rural residents who feel the impact the most. 

That’s why I’ve been engaging closely with Stagecoach East Scotland and Fife Council following the proposed changes to several key routes, including the 65 service between Newburgh and Cupar, and the 42 service between Tayport and St Andrews. These are routes that people rely on every day, and the prospect of losing or reducing them has caused understandable worry across the constituency. 

Earlier this month, I met with Stagecoach’s Interim Managing Director to raise these concerns directly. Unfortunately, Stagecoach confirmed that they do not intend to reverse their proposed service changes. While I appreciated the opportunity to speak with them, I came away disappointed by the outcome. 

Stagecoach pointed to ongoing roadworks , which I’ll be discussing with Fife Council, across North East Fife as one of the main reasons for poor reliability and performance, and said that some routes - particularly the 65 and 42 - had low passenger numbers, making them commercially unsustainable. I recognise the pressures that transport providers face, but decisions like these have real human consequences. For many people, there are simply no easy alternatives when a service disappears. 

The company did note that discussions with Fife Council are ongoing to identify possible replacements, and that the Moffat & Williamson 77 service will continue to run between Tayport and St Andrews. However, this patchwork approach is far from ideal. Bus networks need to work for passengers, not just operators, and that means joined-up, accessible, and affordable services. 

Following the meeting, Fife Council confirmed that it has taken steps to reduce the impact of these cuts. This includes maintaining direct links via the 77 route, and extending the Go-Flexi service from 24 November to cover the Banknowe, Scotscraig/Crosshill Terrace, and Shanwell areas. These flexible transport options will connect people to key local amenities such as Tayview Medical Practice. The Council has also worked with Moffat & Williamson to update timetables and has reassured parents that school transport arrangements will not be affected. 

I have now written to Fife Council seeking further assurances that residents in Newburgh will not be left without a bus service. I am also continuing to work closely with my Scottish Liberal Democrat colleague Willie Rennie MSP to press for long-term, sustainable transport solutions across North East Fife. 

Public transport is not just about convenience, it’s about equality and opportunity. People in rural areas deserve the same access to reliable, joined-up services as those in our cities. When we talk about tackling climate change, supporting local economies, and building stronger communities, maintaining accessible public transport has to be part of that conversation. 

I’ll continue to push both Stagecoach and Fife Council to ensure that no one in North East Fife is left feeling isolated or excluded. 

For the latest updates on local services and timetables, residents can visit TravelFife.com.