Falkirk Council Subsidised Bus Network Review

Introduction

Falkirk Council is seeking your views to inform a review of its subsidised local bus network.

Currently, there are a total of 11 subsidised or partially subsidised bus services operating throughout Falkirk Council. These include bus services F1, F2, F14, F16, F25, F45 and F49, which are all fully subsidised services, and services 1, 8, 28, 29, 38 and 72, which are all partially subsidised.

The last subsidised bus service procurement exercise was carried out in 2022, which resulted in a significant increase in operating costs. There is now a need to assess the sustainability and efficiency of current service provision ahead of the next procurement exercise in 2028.

A technical review of the subsidised bus network has been undertaken by consultants Stantec. This included exploring opportunities for reducing operational costs, improving the efficiency of existing services, and identifying options for service enhancements.

Option Package Development

A total of 9 option packages were identified, with Falkirk Council requesting that packages 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 were progressed for further consideration (see below).

*Please note that option packages 1, 2, 5 and 7A identified during the review (see attached) have not been progressed, as these were considered fundamentally infeasible by the Council at the earliest stage.

The table below shows the proposed changes for each subsidised or partially subsidised bus service under each package.

Please find the service(s) you use and read across the row to see how each package may affect that service. Some packages may improve a service, some may reduce it, and some may make no change.

*Please note that the changes to bus services shown have not yet been agreed, as a preferred option is yet to be determined.

We now want to hear from you!

We want to ensure that our subsidised bus network supports the needs of residents, businesses and visitors throughout Falkirk Council. We would therefore like to hear your views on our subsidised bus network.

You will be able to participate through the Public Engagement and Consultation Survey (Phase 1), which will provide an opportunity to raise issues and suggest ideas and opportunities to improve the subsidised bus network, whilst also giving you an opportunity to provide feedback on the 5 option packages being considered.

We intend to share the key findings from this exercise, and outline how feedback received has informed the identification of the preferred option package.

If you have any questions about this engagement and consultation exercise please contact us at transportplanning@falkirk.gov.uk. If you would like a paper copy of this survey then these will be available upon request.

We encourage you to explore this page and take part to help shape our bus network across Falkirk Council!