Watch: Kingswells residents hand in petition to stop cuts to bus services
More than 2,500 have signed it
A petition signed by more than 2,500 people to save Kingswell's bus routes has been handed in to First Bus's headquarters in Aberdeen.
The transport giant made the announcement last week about the 11 and X40 service, blaming the decision on the oil and gas slump.
We spoke to some Kingswells residents outside First HQ - they were angry about the withdrawal.
Statement from First Bus Aberdeen
Representatives from local bus operator First Aberdeen met a delegation of residents concerned about the planned withdrawal of the X40 and 11 Services from Kingswells this morning.
The company announced the decision in August because of consistently low passenger numbers on the services and after a series of measures aimed at increasing patronage failed to have the necessary effect.
The delegation visited the First Aberdeen depot to hand over a petition objecting to the decision and calling on the company to continue the service.
The First Aberdeen representatives assured those who attended that their comments will be taken on board as part of the ongoing consultation on the service withdrawals.
They also emphasised the steps First Aberdeen has taken to try and make the services viable, including an extended period of consultation and simplification of the route.
Patronage has been consistently low on the weekday X40 Service and on the weekend Service 11, and First Aberdeen said it cannot sustain services that attract just a handful of customers on each journey.
Relatively low patronage at the Kingswells Park and Ride and the downturn in the oil industry were among factors identified as having had an adverse effect.
First Aberdeen Operations Manager, David Adam, said: “We are disappointed at having to announce the withdrawal of these services and acknowledge the strength of feeling about this.
"We have listened intently to the views expressed today in our meeting with residents and will take note of the comments in the petition.
“Those who have signed the petition can be assured that we are still in consultation over these plans with the council, local stakeholders and members of the local community, and we will continue that dialogue.”
A date for the withdrawal of the services will be announced after consultation with the council and other key stakeholders.