ALEXANDER Burnett MSP has written to Stagecoach amid concerns from a care home operator that new bus timetable changes are preventing stressed social care workers from getting to their work.
A week after the revised timetable went live, the Aberdeenshire West MSP has been contacted by Meallmore Care Homes, which operates several sites across the North East.
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The operator said the changes have meant staff at care homes such as Grove in Kemnay are now struggling to reach their workplaces on time, or in some cases, at all due to a lack of public transport.
The company added that the new timetables have resulted in “considerable stress and anxiety” for staff while shifts have had to be adjusted due to the transport difficulties social workers are facing.
It follows changes to services such as the X20 Aberdeen-Kemnay-Alford and 421 Inverurie-Kemnay.
Mr Burnett has also been contacted by concerned families in Drumoak who say timetable changes to the 201, 202 and 203 between Aberdeen and Braemar are impacting childcare arrangements and their ability to get to work. The service has been downgraded to hourly.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “It’s deeply concerning to hear that social care workers are struggling to get to their workplace due to these timetable changes, which are having a hugely negative impact on communities across the North East.
“These dedicated professionals often work long hours and must travel to remote locations where public transportation is their primary means of commuting.
“But behind these reduced bus services are livelihoods which are being put in jeopardy, which is why I have contacted both Stagecoach and the Scottish Government demanding that a solution is found to help these key workers in Aberdeenshire.
“Businesses shouldn’t be adversely affected by woeful public transport and Stagecoach needs to work with councils and the Scottish Government do more to improve the way it operates, both for drivers and customers.”
