Bus Survey Reveals WidespreadNegative Community Impact
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
A recent survey of rural communities in Nithsdale shows a bus network that
no longer matches communities needs. Nearly 500 residents consistently
highlighted the sharp decline in evening and weekend provision - including the
complete loss of Sunday services - which has left many households cut off
from social interaction, family support and essential travel after 5.30pm.
Individuals working shifts reported being unable to rely on public transport for
employment, and many expressed concern that young people have lost
access to social, leisure and work opportunities due to the restricted
timetable.
The N76 Group have produced a report with a clear message: current services are
not fit for purpose and calls for practical, community-backed actions to avoid
growing isolation, reduced opportunity and long-term social and economic harm rural
communities.
Actions include reinstating evening and Sunday buses; restoring direct links or
reliable connections to Cumnock and Ayr; re-establishing a morning route to
Edinburgh; increasing bus capacity at school times; improving timetable accuracy;
and strengthening integration with rail services.
A major theme was the loss of direct or guaranteed connections to Cumnock and
Ayr, for access to supermarkets, dental and optician appointments, and onward
travel. Respondents described this change as “devastating”, noting that trips that
were once straightforward now require lengthy detours, costly taxis, or are simply no
longer possible.
The removal of the morning bus connection to Edinburgh, previously available
through the 101/102 service, was also widely criticised. Several residents reported
that journeys which once took around two hours now take four to five, with multiple
changes and limited accessibility.
The impacts fall particularly heavily on residents without cars — including older
adults, disabled people, young people, and low-income households. Respondents
feel “abandoned” and “totally isolated”, with some unable to reach hospital
appointments or maintain work and social commitments. One parent reported ‘’my
daughter’s journey to college now takes almost two hours each way because
connections don’t work.
Right along the A76 corridor, concerns were raised about timetable accuracy,
unreliable services, missing or mismatched connections, and frequent overcrowding
at school peak times. Many describe the system as “broken” making daily journeys
difficult and undermining confidence in public transport.
For further information contact: Ronnie Bradford
07940 286179
Note
The N76 Group, represents community organisations located along the A76 corridor
from Glencairn and Closeburn through to Kirkconnel and New Cumnock. Their report
is available at: www.sanquharenterprisecompany.co.uk/news
conducted 14 January to 20 February 2026 calls for urgent action and public
involvement in future decisions. The survey is one of the most comprehensive
community-led transport consultations carried out in the region.
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