Bus passengers hope for fresh start as new operators take over Stirling service

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Beleaguered bus passengers across Stirling are hoping for a fresh start after a new bus operator was announced for the region.First Bus has sold its First Scotland East business and all of its routes in the area to the McGill’s Group, with the sale expected to be completed on September 19.The move will see all depots in the wider eastern region – including those in Bannockburn, Balfron and Larbert – as well as all buses and 550 staff move to McGill’s.The operator has been under consistent pressure to make improvements to the service provided in Stirling, with passengers regularly left frustrated and angry with a series of late-notice cancellations and unreliable timetables.Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank our employees for their continued hard work to deliver the best experience possible for our customers across the First Scotland East business.“We will be supporting them fully as they transfer to their new employer.“This sale is part of a strategic refocusing of our Scottish businesses with significant investment in zero-emission buses in Glasgow and Aberdeen.

We’re pleased that McGill’s, who are a trusted Scottish bus operator brand, will take the Scotland East business forward and wish them every success.”James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Bus Group, said: “Everyone at McGill’s Group is excited about welcoming Scotland East into our stable and the opportunities that lie ahead.“Our team are passionate about using our expertise to build the business in the years ahead so we can retain and attract new passengers across the region.“We’re pleased the opportunity has arisen to acquire the business and we appreciate the efforts of First Bus towards ensuring a smooth