Formartine Area Bus Forum

FORMARTINE AREA BUS FORUM

MINUTES OF MEETING ON MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2015

THEATRE, ELLON COMMUNITY CAMPUS, ELLON

In Attendance

Councillor R. J. Merson (Aberdeenshire Council) (Chair) Councillor P. Johnston (Aberdeenshire Council) Kaye Cowie (Meldrum and Bourtie Community Council) Stanley Glennie (Meldrum and Bourtie Community Council) Kevin Glennie (Meldrum and Bourtie Community Council) Debra Campbell (CPO, Aberdeenshire Council) Hilda Drummond (Bus User, Potterton) Sheila Morrison (Bus User, New Byth) Ethel McCurrach (Bus User, Turriff) Kathryn Morrison (Bus User, Ellon) Krista Wright (Bus User, Ellon) Lorna Owen (Bus User, Ellon) Sheila Noble (Bus User, Ellon) Sheila McKay (Bus User, Ellon) Jacquie Lafferty (Bus User, Ellon) Kenneth Gow (Bus User, Ellon) Chris Ramsey (Bus User, Collieston) Joe Cowan (Bus User, Balmedie) Ray Kenyon (Bus User, Newburgh) Anne Kenyon (Bus User, Newburgh) George Scott (Bus User) Sheila Scott (Bus User) John Carter (Bus User) M Jones (Bus User) Mark Fraser (Bus User) Tracey Fraser (Bus User) Dauna Matheson (Bus User) Yvonne Ferguson (Bus User) Doug Bain (Bain’s Coaches) Steve Walker (Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland) Neil Stewart (Principal Officer, Public Transport Unit, Aberdeenshire Council) Susan Watt (Senior Transport Officer, Public Transport Unit, Aberdeenshire Council)

Apologies

Councillor A. Robertson (Aberdeenshire Council) Councillor G. Owen (Aberdeenshire Council) Robert Martin (Bus User, Oldmeldrum) M. Hardy-Randall (Bus User, Newburgh)

1 1. Welcome and Introduction

Councillor Merson welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were given.

2. Minutes of Meeting on 30 April 2015

It was raised from ‘the floor’ that Item 13.4. Page 9 was inaccurate as it was not confirmed at the meeting which services would serve Ellon Community Campus.

Neil Stewart acknowledged this and confirmed that the information provided is correct, in that these services have now been diverted.

The remainder of the minutes were approved.

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

Neil Stewart provided the following update on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council:

3.1 Regarding the request for the 0922 hours ex Ellon – Inverurie (Service 493) to be retarded to connect with the 0912 hours ex Newburgh – Ellon (Service 450: Newburgh – Ellon) (Monday to Friday) at Ellon Park and Ride, he advised that following the outcome of the tendering process, Kineil Coaches decided to operate these services on a commercial basis and the request was not fulfilled at that time.

In the meantime, Stagecoach Bluebird’s contract awards were held in abeyance pending further developments and the Council has now been notified by Kineil Coaches that they will deregister these services, along with Services 251 (Fraserburgh – New Pitsligo – Ellon), 254 (Ellon Town Service) and 747 (Peterhead/Ellon – Dyce) with effect from 30 November 2015. This results in the original awards to Stagecoach Bluebird standing with effect from that same date and the request for the above journey re-timings will therefore be fulfilled at this time.

3.2 Regarding re-tendering of the schoolday journeys to Auchterellon Primary and Ellon Primary, the lowest acceptable tender received was approximately double that of the previous contract (£60,000 per annum). He confirmed that the journeys were funded from the Council’s Mainstream Home-to-School Transport Budget despite the fact that all the schoolchildren resided within 2 miles walking distance of their zoned schools. Given that the service therefore operated out-with Council policy in this regard, coupled with the cost involved, and pressure on the above Budget, the contract was not awarded.

2 3.3 Regarding local bus provision to/from the new Ellon Community Campus, he confirmed that Services 493 (Ellon – Inverurie) and 747 (Peterhead/Ellon – Dyce) operate via the facility, providing 5 inter-peak journeys to/from Ellon (Park and Ride)/Market Street Interchange. He advised that no passenger figures are available as the services are currently provided on a commercial basis, but the journeys will continue to operate at the same times from 30 November 2015.

He also advised that the Council’s A2B Dial-A-Bus service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays within Ellon and is available to frail or disabled people who cannot access the local bus services and can be used for shopping trips, GP appointments, and for access to facilities at the new Campus.

Susan Watt confirmed that Stagecoach Bluebird provides a weekday evening return journey on a commercial basis via the Campus but passenger numbers are currently very low.

Steve Walker provided the following update on behalf of Stagecoach Bluebird:

3.4 In response to the complaint regarding drivers not adhering to the southbound and northbound timing points through Newburgh (the Quay and opposite Udny Arms Hotel respectively), he confirmed that instructions had been re- issued to all drivers concerned and the situation will be monitored.

3.5 In response to the request for northbound journeys on Service 35 (Aberdeen – Banff – Elgin) to revert to operation via Union Terrace, in particular for those returning home from HM Theatre (HMT) in Aberdeen, he confirmed that Service 35A (Aberdeen – Oldmeldrum/Elgin) currently provides an approximate half-hourly daytime service via Union Terrace, HMT and Great Northern Road.

He advised that the company is currently working with HMT to allow those attending the theatre to pre-book a seat on a dedicated bus departing after the performance. People can book at the same time as they order tickets for a performance and the arrangement is partly funded by HMT Grants.

3.6 In response to the request for additional departures from Aberdeen to Turriff (Service 35) between 1505 hours and 1640 hours via ARI (Monday to Friday), he confirmed that that the corridor is currently being reviewed and it is likely that the frequency between Oldmeldrum and Aberdeen will be reduced from 15 minutes to 20 minutes, due to the downturn in the North East economy, which has resulted in a significant decrease in passengers.

3 3.7 In response to the request for a peak journey to bridge the gap between 1625 hours and 1822 hours (Monday to Friday) ex Market Street (Ellon) to Peterhead via Hatton, in particular around 1715 hours for those returning home from work, he confirmed that this is not currently commercially viable.

(For information, Service 747 (Dyce - Ellon - Peterhead) departs from Market Street at 17:26 hours and operates via Hatton Road End.)

3.8 In response to the query as to whether a low floor vehicle will continue to be allocated to Service 251 (Fraserburgh - New Pitsligo – Ellon) from 30 November 2015, he confirmed this to be the case. He also confirmed that an additional return journey will be provided between New Pitsligo and Ellon on a commercial basis

3.9 In response to a claim regarding the frequent late operation of the 0725 hours from Methlick to Aberdeen (Saturday) (Service 291), he confirmed that this has been investigated and no further complaints have been received.

4. Stagecoach Bluebird Update

Steve Walker provided the following update:

4.1 Buchan Corridor

The company has invested £5½ million in 17 new vehicles, which will be allocated to the Buchan corridor as from November 2015, once the vehicles have been branded. He also confirmed that the service will be marketed as a ‘premier’ service.

Stagecoach Bluebird were praised for their investment on the corridor.

4.2 Following the procurement exercise undertaken by Aberdeenshire Council, which has resulted in the company acquiring additional contracts. These additional supported services have been integrated into the current network without any major disruption to services, as from 16 August 2015.

4.3 Bus Service Revisions

As from 14 December 2015, revisions will be implemented in the Formartine area. However due to the downturn in the North East economy there has been a significant decrease in passengers using the company’s services. As a consequence the company is currently reviewing its commercial services with a view to tailoring them more closely with demand, particularly at peak times.

5. Aberdeenshire Council Update

Neil Stewart provided the following update:

5.1 Passenger Transport Review and Procurement

Following the Aberdeenshire Council Passenger Transport Review, Local Bus service contracts were subject to tendering, with an implementation date of 17 August 2015. He highlighted the major changes as follows:

i) Service 248 (New Byth - Fyvie - Inverurie)

Requests have been received for the Monday only shoppers’ service to operate on Thursdays instead. This will be implemented as from week commencing 14 December 2015.

ii) Service 308 (Aberchirder – Rothienorman – Inverurie)

On the basis of passenger demand, the 1750 hours ex Auchterless and 1825 hours ex Inverurie were withdrawn from the Council’s tender specification. However, Bain’s Coaches decided to continue operating the existing service commercially as from 17 August 2015. The company has now decided to deregister the service with effect from 23 November 2015 and the revised timetable will be operated by Stagecoach Bluebird from this date.

5.2 Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey

Neil Stewart advised that the annual survey of bus users in Aberdeenshire was undertaken in spring 2015, comprising of 600 on-street surveys, where passengers were asked questions about various aspects of bus travel, including reliability, cost of travel, information, conditions of buses and shelters and also the conduct of staff.

He confirmed that the principal finding of this year’s survey is that Aberdeenshire bus users showed increased levels of satisfaction with the overall service and the vast majority of specific aspects of bus service delivery.

The overall positive satisfaction across all 20 service delivery areas was 91%, with positive satisfaction increasing by over 5% in 7 categories, namely Service reliability (11%); Frequency (9%); Length of time waited for a bus (9%); Information on bus (9%); Condition of vehicles (9%); Directness of route (9%), and Smoothness of ride (8%).

The only noteworthy decreases in positive satisfaction levels were relating to Value for money (-8%) and finding a ticket suited to the journey (-7%). He expressed some surprise with these findings as bus fares had not increased above inflation and in some cases had even been reduced. In addition, Stagecoach Bluebird provide a comprehensive range of ticket types to suit various categories of passenger and full details are well publicised by the company.

When a comparison of the Aberdeenshire survey was made with a national survey carried out by Transport Scotland, Aberdeenshire scored higher than the national average in all 7 categories including positive satisfaction with bus fare levels (19% higher than that for Scotland as a whole).

A comparison was also undertaken with benchmark English rural County authorities (Northumberland, Devon, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Gloucestershire and Suffolk) covered by the 2015 Transport Focus Bus Passenger Survey. Positive satisfaction levels in Aberdeenshire exceeded the average for the above rural County authorities in 13 of the 17 categories, the only notable exception being length of time waited for a bus (-7%). It is encouraging that Aberdeenshire levels were 10% higher or more in: value for money; information at bus stops; personal safety at bus stops; information inside the bus; comfort of seats; and, smoothness of ride, categories. Should anyone wish to see a copy of the Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey report, please contact [email protected].

5.3 Neil Stewart reported that Grasshopper, the multi-operator bus pass for the North East of Scotland, is now generating over 5000 passenger trips per month and it has been extended to cover all of the North East of Scotland with an expanded range of ticket types. Additional zones have been incorporated with both weekly and daily passes available in each area.

6. Bus Service Requests / Development

Neil Stewart referred to the papers circulated, detailing pending and fulfilled service requests in the Formartine Area, and provided the following update:

6.1 The request for additional journeys from Aberdeen to Turriff between 1505 hours and 1640 hours via ARI has been ruled out by Stagecoach Bluebird as it is not commercially viable (Page 3, Item 3.6 refers).

6.2 The request for the 0922 hours ex Ellon – Inverurie to be retarded to connect with the 0912 hours ex Newburgh – Ellon (Service 450: Newburgh – Ellon) (Monday to Friday) at Ellon Park and Ride will be implemented as from 30 November 2015 by Stagecoach Bluebird (Page 2 Item 3.1 refers)

6.3 The request for an additional peak journeys to bridge the gap between 1625 hours and 1822 hours ex Market Street – Peterhead via Hatton has been ruled out by Stagecoach Bluebird as it is not commercially viable (Page 3 Item 3.7 refers).

7. Public Transport Infrastructure / Information

7.1 Real Time Passenger Information has been implemented on the Buchan corridor and is being rolled out throughout Aberdeenshire. Display screens are located at Ellon Park and Ride, Market Street (Ellon), Oldmeldrum Square, High Street (Turriff), Eigie Road (Balmedie) and one is proposed to be installed at the mini interchange hub at Fyvie.

7.2 Request for an update on the progress of the construction works to expand the Ellon Park and Ride site.

Neil Stewart confirmed that there has been a protracted delay in the completion of Phase 2 due to an issue with the transfer of land ownership.

7.3 Complaint regarding the layout of Union Square Bus Station.

Steve Walker advised that meetings have been held with the developer, (Hammerson Ltd), regarding improvements to the facility, however due to the limited space available it is difficult to address many of the issues. He confirmed that Stagecoach Bluebird will continue to press for improved facilities.

Councillor Merson explained that the site is leased by Stagecoach Bluebird from Hammerson Ltd and any improvements have to be agreed by that company.

7.4 Councillor Johnston requested an update as to the progress of the Oldmeldrum mini transport hubs.

Neil Stewart confirmed that the hub is incorporated into the proposed housing development at Chapelpark (Oldmeldrum) and if planning permission is granted for this, it will determine the timescale of the hub’s completion.

Councillor Johnston advised that there should not be a delay as there is no link between the respective planning applications for the hub and the housing development.

Neil Stewart confirmed that he would ask his colleague, Martin Hall, to contact Councillor Johnston as soon as possible regarding this matter.

7.5 Councillor Johnston queried the layout of the Stagecoach Bluebird website, highlighting the difficulty to locate Service 292/293 (Tarves – Ellon) journeys.

Steve Walker confirmed that Stagecoach has recently launched a new website, which incorporates a journey planner, allowing easy access to information on the company’s services and timetables. He also confirmed that the complaint regarding access to information on Services 292 and 293 would be investigated.

7 7.6 Councillor Johnston confirmed that he has received complaints regarding timetable information no longer being displayed on Aberdeenshire Council’s website, the public now being re-directed to Traveline, where timetables cannot be downloaded.

Neil Stewart confirmed that these complaints would be relayed to colleagues.

7.7 Claims regarding insufficient timetables being available on Stagecoach Bluebird vehicles and that the leaflets are difficult to read.

Steve Walker confirmed that the availability of leaflets on buses will be investigated and confirmed that special versions with a larger font can be created on request.

7.8 Claim that information regarding the departure times of long distance services is not displayed on the screens at Union Square Bus Station.

Steve Walker confirmed that this would be investigated.

8. Service 35/35A: Aberdeen - Banff - Elgin

8.1 Request for the service to revert to operating via Riverview Drive (Dyce) serving Asda, in view of the impending withdrawal of Service 235 (Oldmeldrum – Dyce) on 14 December 2015.

Steve Walker reaffirmed that the services are currently being reviewed and confirmed that the request will be considered at the same time.

8.2 Query as to whether new vehicles would be allocated to the route, coupled with a complaint that there are faulty doors on the existing coaches and no toilets.

Steve Walker confirmed that the current vehicles are not particularly old but acknowledged that if drivers move away from stops to quickly it can cause a problem with the door mechanism, which then needs to be reset. He also confirmed that this problem is being rectified and there are currently no plans to allocate new vehicles to the corridor.

8.3 Request for the allocation of low floor buses to Service 35A (Oldmeldrum – Aberdeen via Great Northern Road).

Steve Walker advised that a large percentage of the company’s customers travelling to Aberdeen from areas out-with the City prefer the comfort of coaches and it can be difficult to strike a balance between the demands for each type of vehicle. He confirmed that there are currently no plans to amend the type of vehicle on this route.

8 8.4 Repeated claim regarding buses arriving at Urqhuart Street Interchange (Oldmeldrum) at the same time, resulting in traffic being held up in both directions.

Steve Walker confirmed that this would be taken into consideration in the review.

8.5 Claim regarding southbound journeys frequently departing late from Oldmeldrum Interchange.

Steve Walker confirmed that this would be investigated and asked that times and dates be provided.

9. Service 60/61/63/X60: (Peterhead - Ellon – Aberdeen)

9.1 Request for an evening and Sunday service to operate via A975 between Newburgh and Cruden Bay.

Steve Walker confirmed that this is not currently commercially viable.

10. Service 62/62A/X62: (Ellon – Aberdeen)

10.1 Request for the service to be re-routed within Ellon, to serve Meiklemill in both directions, coupled with the claim that buses frequently have to sit at various locations in the town to avoid operating ahead of schedule.

Steve Walker advised that it is difficult to cover Meiklemill in both directions due to the layout of the town but advised southbound passengers to make connections at Market Street Interchange.

He also explained that it is difficult to estimate journey times due to variable traffic congestion on the A90 at peak times and also in City of Aberdeen, so recovery time has to be built in. He also explained that the company has to provide timing points every 15 minutes and has to be careful not to underestimate running times, as they could be summoned to a public enquiry by the Traffic Commissioner if more than 5% of journeys operate more than a minute early or more than 5 minutes late.

10.2 Complaint regarding mobility impaired passengers having difficulty in climbing the stairs to board the coaches which are allocated to the service.

Steve Walker advised that there is a mixture of coaches and low floor buses allocated to the service and, as previously mentioned, it is difficult to strike a balance between the demands for each type of vehicle. He confirmed that the situation will continue to be monitored.

9 10.3 Complaint that, on 2 occasions, drivers have erroneously omitted Balmedie from the route.

Steve Walker apologised for this and confirmed that errors can occasionally occur with drivers who are new to particular routes. He added that such instances are very rare as drivers receive comprehensive training but he emphasised that it can be a stressful job at times.

11. Service 254 (Ellon Town Service)

11.1 Request for the service to be re-routed to serve Ellon Community Campus.

Neil Stewart advised that there is insufficient time within the current timetable to serve the campus, therefore to re-route the service would result in the service being withdrawn from another part of Ellon. He also advised that the service inter-works with Service 450 (Newburgh – Ellon).

Despite these constraints, he advised that consideration will be given to this request.

11.2 Request for the 0842 hours ex Knockothie – Castle Park – Market Street (Monday to Friday) and 1524 hours ex Market Street – Knockothie – Castle Park (Monday to Friday) departure to be re-timed to depart at approximately 0835 hours and 1530 hours respectively, allowing Ellon Primary school children a home-to-school return facility.

Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be considered but he again referred to the fact that Service 254 inter-works with Service 450 (see above) and also warned that there is limited seating capacity, with the service being operated by a 28 seat vehicle and this cannot be increased. Therefore, passengers can only be carried on a ‘‘first-come first-served’’ basis.

12. Services 257 and 258 (Turriff Town Service and Circular)

12.1 Request for additional journeys to be routed via Turriff Hospital as there is uncertainty over opening times and available treatments at Cuminestown Health Centre, given NHS Grampian’s decision for the Cuminestown surgery to become a branch of Turriff Medical Practice

Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be investigated.

13. Service 493 (Ellon - Inverurie)

13.1 Councillor Johnston requested that sufficient shopping time is provided for passengers to alight at Market Street (Ellon) to utilise the Pharmacy and return on the next scheduled journey back to Inverurie.

Neil Stewart confirmed that this would be investigated.

10 14. Service 747 (Peterhead/Ellon – Dyce)

14.1 Request for the destination screen to display Dyce Airport, instead of Dyce.

Steve Walker confirmed that this would be displayed on the destination screen with effect from 30 November 2015.

15. Buchan Corridor

15.1 Request for more buses between Aberdeen and Fraserburgh / Peterhead to be re-routed to serve Balmedie.

Steve Walker confirmed that there are no plans to do this on a commercial basis and also advised that neither the existing nor proposed vehicles can serve Balmedie in a northbound direction as they are 15 metres in length and cannot cross the A90 safely.

15.2 Request for additional northbound journeys between Aberdeen and Fraserburgh / Peterhead to serve Market Street Interchange (Ellon) during the p.m. peak period as a number of journeys only operate via Ellon Park and Ride and some journeys by-pass Ellon altogether.

Steve Walker advised that a balance has to be struck between demand to/from Ellon and demand to/from areas further north. He referred to Area Bus Forums held in the Buchan and Banff & Buchan Areas where people complained that they were unable to board buses during the p.m. peak due to the number of shorter distance passengers. He advised that passengers travelling to various parts of Ellon should use Service 62/X62 (Aberdeen - Ellon) during this period.

15.3 Claim regarding some drivers allowing passengers using Services 60/67/68 (Aberdeen – Peterhead / Fraserburgh) to board and alight at all bus stops on King Street, despite these services being limited stop on this section of route within Aberdeen City.

Steve Walker confirmed that drivers will be re-instructed accordingly but added that the limited stop nature of the services will be reviewed.

15.4 Query regarding the accessibility of the new vehicles to be allocated to the Buchan corridor, with particular regard to the stairwells.

Steve Walker confirmed that the new vehicles allocated to the Buchan corridor have 2 seats downstairs for the mobility impaired, along with capacity for a wheelchair. Regarding the stairwells, he confirmed that feedback on similar vehicles within the Stagecoach network had resulted in modifications to improve accessibility.

11 15.5 Complaint that there are insufficient bell pushes on the new vehicles.

Steve Walker confirmed that there are bell pushes at the front and rear of the coaches but acknowledged that this is not ideal.

16. Collieston A2B Dial-A-Bus Service

16.1 Request for an additional day of operation between Collieston and Ellon, highlighting that it previously operated on a Saturday.

Neil Stewart confirmed that, whilst this would be considered, passenger demand is limited. He explained that the vehicle allocated to service is also utilised at peak times for other Council purposes and this does not include availability on Saturdays.

16.2 It was confirmed from ‘the floor’ that the service currently has 15 registered users in Collieston and has been very well received by residents.

17. Other Issues / General Matters

17.1 Request for an update regarding the proposed infrastructure works to be carried out in Ellon, under “safe routes to school”, on Golf Road and Hospital Road.

Councillor Merson confirmed that the works are currently being progressed and will continue into 2016.

17.2 Request for an update regarding National Entitlement Cards not being activated by the ticket machines on Stagecoach Bluebird’s services, resulting in cards being removed from passengers, who are then issued with temporary 7 day passes until new cards arrive.

Susan Watt confirmed that this matter has been investigated by Transport Scotland, in conjunction with Stagecoach Bluebird. She explained that there appeared to be a “bad” batch of cards which were not being read by the ticket machines and the issue was being addressed.

18. Date of Next Meeting

Councillor Merson confirmed that the next meeting of the Forum will take place in Meldrum Academy in spring 2016. Full details will be advised in due course.