First Aberdeen - response to MSP letter

MSP Liam Kerr wrote to First Aberdeen expressing resident's concerns regarding the re-routing of the number 15 service.

In their reply, First Aberdeen confirm there is a review ongoing and that they have entered into discussions with the local council to explore alternative options.

They stress that, at this time no alternative route has been decided upon and that a number of alternatives will be considered during the review.

First express their disappointment that local media reports have led to scaremongering and uncertainty within local communities, particularly when there has been no decision at this time.

They say that, as soon as there are further developments on any viable options, they will let communities and stakeholders know ahead of making any particular changes to the service.

First Aberdeen seem to be offering assurance that any change is at an early stage and will only be implemented after are discussions with Aberdeen City Council.

It would have eliminated, or at least minimised the "scaremongering and uncertainty" had First Bus consulted and advised Community Sources, such as the Community Council and Mr Kerr.

Liam says, "It appears to be reassuring us that the proposed shift is in early stages and is not concluded upon, although I’m not convinced that the “local media reports” are the problem here; it is hardly scaremongering to report a proposal that has been tabled which leads the community understandably to become very worried and do something about it!"

One other comment of concern shared be Liam Kerr and the Community Council is the comment in their response that says, “As soon as we have further developments on any viable options, we’ll let communities and stakeholders know ahead of making any particular changes to the service”. 

As Liam Kerr points out, and we agree with him, "read literally, that suggests that once they have settled on “viable options” they will simply “let communities…know ahead of…changes”: in other words they will decide the change, notify the community then do it. I see no mention of “consultation” with those communities."

We can only hope that First Aberdeen take notice of the effect of not communicating with the community and, going forward, consult on the options that they are considering.

If you would like to make First Aberdeen aware of the strength of feeling, and your point of view, we would encourage you to send an e-mail, raising your concerns, to david.adam@firstbus.co.uk 

Once again, the Community Council thank Liam Kerr for his interest and his actions in this issue