MSP Jackie Baillie has raised concerns over a raft of changes to local bus services.
The politician has written to bus operator First Glasgow over their decision to slash through services from Glasgow to Alexandria and Helensburgh.
Commuters could previously travel by bus directly from the city centre to both towns.
However, when services undergo “network transformation” on March 2, residents heading to Balloch, Alexandria or Helensburgh will be expected to change in Dumbarton.
This is because First will overhaul their network, terminating services from Glasgow in the town.
Passengers travelling on will be expected to then link with new local bus routes.
First unveiled the plans last week, announcing that the 1/1A will terminate in Dumbarton, with anyone requiring onward travel to Alexandria and Balloch requiring to catch the new 204 and 205 services.
Commuters headed to Helensburgh will then be expected to join the onward 206 service, as the 1B will end its journey in Dumbarton.
First Glasgow argues that the move will improve “reliability”, however, critics believe that the redesign is a move to cut the workforce.
Employees have voiced concerns that the new measures will require fewer drivers to support the routes.
Dumbarton constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, has written to both First Glasgow and transport authority SPT, demanding answers.
She said: “Local commuters have expressed concerns over these service changes to me, as have employees.
“I am concerned, to say the very least, over these developments, which are being packaged as improving reliability and streamlining services.
“However, I share the views of residents that these changes will provide fewer direct bus links and less convenience for passengers.
“An increase to the number of changes passengers are expected to make during a journey can never be a good thing and leaves scope for commuters to be stranded in the event that the connecting service does not turn up.
“Weather in Scotland is often not conducive to taking multiple bus journeys where one would do.”
She added: “I am clear that our communities need better transport links to promote use of public transport, not changes which actually see worse service provision.”
Scottish Labour wants to see bus services brought back under the control of local government.
Passenger Transport Authority SPT moved to consider local bus franchising in Strathclyde last March.
Such a plan would see the suspension of the deregulated or ‘private’ bus market, with operators providing services under contract to the local transport authority.
Added Jackie: “Our commuters are suffering as bus services are reduced under a broken system, where private operators are calling the shots and putting profit before public service.
“It is time we saw a change which would benefit bus users.”
The 1E service will continue to operate between Balloch and Glasgow, via Old Bonhill and Yoker.
SPT has also announced that operator McColl’s will oversee timetable changes to the 207, 206, 305, 306 and 309, supported services from February 16th.
The 2247 Sunday journey of the 206 Westcliff to Tullichewan service will be withdrawn, as will the Monday to Friday 0644 Drymen to Alexandria Rail Station 309 journey.
The 207 and 306 will see timetable variations, while the 305 will see a “minor” route alteration and timetable variation.
