I am very pleased to let everyone know the update on this petition and wish to thank everyone for showing their support:

A new community bus service will launch in Monifieth and Muirdrum on Monday 2 November, as part of a collaborative partnership between Angus Council and Stagecoach South Scotland. 

Below is the detail from the press release issued by Angus Council just now: 

The new fixed-route service, operated by Angus Council and initially free to use, has been developed in response to feedback from local residents, community representatives and elected members following recent changes to local bus services.

Together, Angus Council and Stagecoach have listened to concerns raised through direct engagement with the community, including views made through a local petition, and developed a solution that supports local travel needs and enhances the existing commercial bus network.

By jointly funding the service, both organisations are demonstrating their commitment to maintaining access to key destinations, supporting local communities and helping people stay connected.

The service will operate on weekdays from the morning school run period until approximately 6.30pm.

In Monifieth, the service will provide an important link between Monifieth High Street, Monifieth Medical Practice, Victoria Grange and Ethiebeaton Park. Residents in the Lorne Street and Hill Street areas will also be able to access the service.

The route will help connect passengers with essential local facilities, including healthcare services, shops and onward public transport links. In Muirdrum, the service will provide a direct connection to Carnoustie High Street.

The service has been designed to complement existing local bus services. Passengers travelling from other areas should continue to use existing commercial bus services to reach Monifieth High Street before connecting with the council-operated service. The route is not intended to provide travel between Monifieth and Carnoustie, as these journeys continue to be served by the existing local bus network.

The timetable, route information and details of stopping locations are available on the Council’s Public Transport webpage.

Heather Doran, Angus Councillor for Monifieth and Sidlaw, said:

“The introduction of the service follows constructive discussions between Angus Council, Stagecoach, local residents and elected representatives on how best to address concerns about local connectivity.

“The new route reflects a shared commitment to supporting local communities and responding positively to public feedback.

“By working together to co-fund and deliver the service, Angus Council and Stagecoach have developed a practical solution that helps residents access key destinations and remain connected to the wider transport network.”

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland, said:

"We are always willing to listen and take on board feedback from our customers. We know how important reliable, well-connected bus services are to people across Angus, whether they are travelling to work, education, shopping or simply staying connected with friends and family.

"We are delighted to work in close partnership with the team at Angus Council to help find a viable solution for all. This new service makes connections with the wider bus network easier for the community of Monifieth."

A note from me (Cllr Heather Doran) to everyone that signed the petition: I want to thank everyone for signing this petition, coming along in person to the meeting organised by Lloyd Melville MSP and emailing representatives and Stagecoach. Without you sharing your voices we would not have achieved this.

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the timetable before the service launches on Monday 2 November. 

The timetable will be available via this website: https://www.angus.gov.uk/roads_parking_and_travel/public_transport/bus_timetables 

Previous text:

Stagecoach East Scotland are implementing changes to the Monifieth bus network which include cutting routes and will result in some areas losing their direct bus route to Dundee and Ninewells.  

These cuts included the complete withdrawal of the daytime 74A and 74C routes. This shift to a "hub-and-spoke" model has resulted in the removal of direct services to Dundee City Centre and Ninewells for  residents in and near Ashludie. Residents close to Victoria Street are losing  access to all daytime bus services. 

People will be forced to navigate a cumbersome transfer system that not only adds time and stress to their journeys but also poses barriers. Reduction in public transport options always disproportionately affect those who are already more vulnerable in society.

Monifieth has a higher percentage of residents over the age of 65 compared to the national average. Accessibility to healthcare is a critical issue. Residents need reliable and direct transport links to access essential services without unnecessary logistical hurdles. The new model undermines the accessibility of these services.

I am calling on Stagecoach East Scotland to reconsider their decision and restore the 74A and 74C bus routes. The restoration of these services would uphold the company’s commitment to equitable access for all passengers. 

As a local councillor I requested a meeting with Stagecoach East Scotland on Monday 24 of August but have received no response. 

Sign this petition to ensure that the community is heard by Stagecoach East Scotland.