Falkirk bus services cut after depot COVID-19 outbreaks

The temporary reductions – and in one case the withdrawal of a service – will come into force from Monday, February 8. It is hoped they will only be in place for two weeks.

While the bus firm’s Bannockburn is now COVID-19 clear, the Larbert site, which has around 300 staff, has introduced additional measures to help prevent the further spread of the virus, with staff who were in contact with the individuals who tested positive now self-isolating with full pay.

A First spokesman said: “Bannockburn depot has thankfully recovered fully from the COVID-19 infections from last month, so they are now back operating at full strength again.

“However, we are making a small reduction to services – around 12 per cent – out of our Larbert depot just as an extra precaution to ease the pressure on the staff, as we have a number of colleagues tested positive and more self-isolating.

“We did the same process with Bannockburn at that time as well.”

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Local services affected include the Number 1 Dunipace to Bridgend service, which will be reduced to a frequency of every 20 minutes with early finishes, the Number 2 Limerigg to Bo’ness service will see minor changes and early finishes, while the Number 3 and Number 4 Falkirk to Grangemouth circular service will be reduced to a 15 minute frequency with early finishes.

The Number 5 Hallglen to Langlees service will be reduced to a frequency of every 30 minutes with early finishes and the Number 6 and Number 6A Falkirk Wheel to Forth Valley Royal Hospital service will see both its route and timetable revised, with a reduction in frequency to 30 minutes and earlier finishes.

The Number 7 Falkirk to Forth Valley Royal Hospital Service has been withdrawn completely, while the Number 8 Camelon to Forth Valley Royal Hospital Service has undergone a route and timetable revision, only operating between the hospital and Fankerton.

People can visit www.firstgroup.com for more details and to view the revised timetables for the affected services.

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