Survey reveals rural Dumfries and Galloway communities isolated by bus cuts
Councillor Wood calls for immediate action ahead of ongoing transport review
Residents in rural Dumfries and Galloway have voiced concerns over being left isolated due to cuts in bus services.
The N76/Rural Services Bus Survey, conducted earlier this year, surveyed 483 individuals living along the A76 corridor.
The survey found significant dissatisfaction with the region's bus network, emphasising the lack of essential mobility services like evening and Sunday routes.
The absence of direct connections to places like Cumnock, Ayr, and Edinburgh is among the primary grievances.
Many vulnerable groups, including disabled residents, young people, and low-income families, described feeling “abandoned” following bus service changes last summer.
A respondent highlighted employment implications, stating, “I know people who have had to change jobs” because of service cuts.
Frequent and reliable services were the most demanded improvements, with calls also for later evening buses and better weekend offerings.
Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Andrew Wood plans to table a motion at this Thursday’s council meeting.
The motion aims to implement survey suggestions immediately, rather than waiting for the conclusion of an ongoing year-long transport review.
The council launched its review after Stagecoach West Scotland’s withdrawal from the region in August 2025.
Council members will receive an update on the review by 3rd November, with a final report anticipated by February 2027.
Councillor Wood's motion is supported by fellow Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Jim Dempster, who also seeks to lobby the Scottish Government for assistance.