1200 people speak up about threatened 101/2 Dumfries to Edinburgh bus route
Campaigners say it's the last chance to say what the service means to you
Last updated 21st Oct 2022
Campaigners are calling for anyone from Dumfries to Edinburgh to share their thoughts on the threatened 101/2 bus service.
Stand Up for Our Buses already has 1,200 responses to a survey on the route, but hopes more people will get involved before the deadline tomorrow.
It is in an attempt to save the service from being lost for the second time this year.
The Stagecoach bus was nearly axed earlier this year, which the local authorities and other bodies who funded it say was down to a sharp rise in running costs.
The service received a lifeline funding boost in July, giving it an extension until March of 2023.
Contracts will go to tender this autumn to find another provider for the route - otherwise the "vital link" will be lost.
'The battle has just begun'
Campaign group Stand Up for Our Buses were to thank for the extended life of the service, after an online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures.
They also hosted a protest along the route, which led to the extra funding.
But the campaigners admitted "the battle had just begun", and that members "wouldn't rest on their laurels" to save the service.
Ian Reid is from the group and told West Sound the consequences of losing the bus would be felt far and wide.
He said: "Take the bus away, and it'll have a serious impact.
"Once the service is gone, there's no doubt at all that it'll be very difficult to get it back and that's what's coming through in the survey - people are pleading with us to do everything we can to save it.
"So many communities between Dumfries and Edinburgh will really, really feel this loss, places like Moffat, Biggar, Thornhill, Penicuik.
"I think it's one of the longest routes between two centres of population without a train, so for many it's the bus or nothing, particularly for our more vulnerable members of the community."
'No alternative'
Ian explained that older people, people with disabilities, those who don't drive will rely on this service, and the price of fuel is also pushing more people towards public transport
He said: "For many people in rural communities especially, for all sorts of reasons, there is no other alternative.
"For our older population who don't drive, it can be the only way they can get around to go shopping, for health appointments or to visit family.
"So, as well as being good for the environment it's also about helping with loneliness and isolation.
"Someone once compared the bus to a defibrillator - you don't use a defibrillator that sits outside of the village hall every day, but boy oh boy, when you need it, it's there.
"There is something to be said for this as a really core public service."
The survey is available at https://bit.ly/101-102-buses
A spokesperson for the service said: “Borders Council, SWestrans, and SPT continue to consider the future of the 101 service operating between Dumfries and Edinburgh, following the 86% increase in costs to run the service from the current operator. We are currently running a temporary contract for passengers which ends in March 2023.
“We are monitoring usage of the service and to look at options for a more sustainable solution. SPT has held meetings with local councillors and campaigners to consider these options as we move forward."