Bus firm 'has not changed Kingswells route plans' despite reports

Bus firm First Aberdeen has said it is not reconsidering a plan to withdraw two routes from the Kingswells suburb.

It was revealed in September the number 11 and X40 services could be withdrawn from the area, with a low uptake by passengers being blamed by the company.

The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland wrote to Kingswells councillor Steve Delaney saying she had been assured such no application would be made "in the meantime".

However First said nothing had changed.

'Continuing to consult'

Councillor Delaney had said the letter meant First had decided not to withdraw the services.

First said in a statement: "There has been no change in First Aberdeen's position at this time, in that we are continuing to consult on this planned withdrawal.

"First Aberdeen has yet to submit an application to the Traffic Commissioner to de-register this part of the service as we are still in dialogue with the public and stakeholders, and we are keen to hear their views.

"First Aberdeen has sought to find a solution to low patronage on this route for many years and we are committed to working with the local authority on public transport options for Kingswells going forward."