Bus service set to be scrapped

According to First Bus, only a handful of people now use the X86 from Falkirk to Glasgow, via Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch.

A spokesperson for the bus firm said it had come to the decision after “comprehensive consultation across our network.”

He added: “There is a lack of customer demand for Service X86 and therefore we’ve taken the decision to withdraw it from Monday, August 22.

“Whilst I appreciate this will be disappointing news for some, as a commercial operator we simply cannot operate services that attract just a handful of customers.

“However, I’m pleased that we are able to maintain links to Glasgow and Falkirk from Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch, and would encourage people to use these services.”

But commuter Euan Conway posted on the Herald’s Facebook page: “Once again First Bus has cut a perfectly good service.

“Eighteen months ago, Kirkintilloch had seven bus services to Glasgow going various ways. Now it will have four.

“Woodilee will also be without a service.

“They said 18 months ago that the 24 and 27 bus services didn’t make money and now they say the same about the X86, despite the face all three of these services were packed.

“Once again First Bus doesn’t put the customer first and just want to inconvenience many.”

According to First Bus, customers travelling from Kilsyth to Glasgow can use Service 89 provided by its sister company, First Glasgow.

The spokesperson added: “There remains a regular service from Kirkintilloch to Glasgow on First Glasgow services X85. X87, 88 and 89.

“Meanwhile, customers travelling from Kilsyth to Banton, Banknock, Bonnybridge and Falkirk will be able to use the new Service 4B, which includes a direct link to Croy Station which was introduced as a result of feedback from the consultation.

“Kirkintilloch customers can use Services 89 to Kilsyth before changing to the 4B.”