Polmont man launches petition to reinstate Forth Valley Royal Hospital bus route
A porter at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has launched a petition in a bid to have the 38/X38 McGills direct hospital route reinstated.
Stephen Quigley, who has worked at the Larbert hospital since 2019, launched the petition in October of last year, and it has since gradually raised awareness of the transport issue.
Following the changes to the 38/X38 route in October 2020, Stephen made the decision to move from Grangemouth to Polmont, nearly two years after starting work at the hospital.
The 34-year-old said local bus route cuts influenced his decision to move, adding: "All direct hospital buses from Grangemouth were cut, and although I didn't move singularly because of the stress, it was definitely a stressful time."
Stephen believes the division of the bus route was supposed to be a temporary action.
He said: "I feel that the split to the 38/X38 has overstayed its welcome. It was only supposed to be a temporary measure due to Covid-19, but it was never reversed."
The shift worker has become reliant on others to get to work, a situation he believes will prove unsustainable in the long term.
He said: "I have to rely heavily on my parents, who both drive, to get into work because of the inconvenience of having to get two buses – especially to a hospital.
"It's not just about my personal inconvenience. There are countless others who rely on public transport to travel to the hospital, whether they are patients, staff, or visitors."
The Change.org petition, which has received more than 500 signatures, includes comments from signatories referencing the difficulties shift workers now face. One said it now takes them two buses to reach Forth Valley Royal Hospital, while another noted that a good public transport system would lower car usage.
The impact of the route change extends beyond individual commuters. Elderly and disabled residents who cannot drive, those without access to a car, and low-income households are among those most affected by the lack of a direct service to one of the region's most vital public facilities.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Midland Bluebird said: "At present, there are no plans to alter the existing arrangements for the 38/X38 service."