Falkirk bus service 'crammed' with passengers, claims hospital worker

The route of the X38 between Stirling and Edinburgh, which serves the Larbert hospital, was altered by First Bus in October to adhere to the Scottish Government’s social distancing measures.

The service now splits at Falkirk Upper Newmarket Street, with buses operating from Edinburgh as an X38 and travelling to Falkirk town centre, but also extending to Falkirk Community Hospital.

Services from Stirling are running as a 38 to Falkirk Upper Newmarket Street before terminating and returning.

The FVRH worker claims some commuters are unable to get on board at certain times because of capacity issues.

The source said: “There is no guarantee you will get on.

“Not only does this create a knock-on effect but there were also people exempt from wearing face coverings on board so this was putting them at unacceptable risk.

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“They've acquired some extra double-deckers for the 38 between Falkirk and Stirling but they're just using them where and when they feel like it.

“There should be at least two bus services on the Falkirk to Stirling corridor, even if one only goes part of the way, with the second only needing to run half-hourly.

“This would help take the pressure off the 38 which can't cope with the high demand, especially at peak times.”

Graeme Macfarlan, First Midland commercial director, said: “We were unable to allocate larger capacity double-deckers to the X38 as the route passes under a low bridge in Linlithgow, but splitting the route allowed the double-deckers to be deployed on the Falkirk to Stirling part of the route.

“We have taken this decision to split the route in half to provide more space for people – the safety of our customers and the First team will always be our number one priority.

“The change has been in effect from October 12 and the switch has been largely positively received, but we thank customers for their patience and understanding during these trying time for us all.

“We understand this will have an impact on some of our customers whom undertake cross-Falkirk trips, however, given the current Covid situation, this is an opportunity to enhance social distancing on the busiest section of the route.”

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