Wheels coming off SNP bus complaints?

It was gratifying to yesterday receive a second SNP election communication through the post, self-evidently sent to yours truly based on my position on the electoral register rather than a perusal of this blog.

The faux newspaper format (called the Dundee Independent [sic!]) of the missive provided for numerous 'articles' on what the SNP has done for Scotland and Dundee -replete with quotes from and photaes of local candidate Joe FitzPatrick - but was predictably bereft of specific policy commitments for a future SNP Government at Holyrood.

However, one issue not included in the 'newspaper' was a claim from Mr FitzPatrick that National Express Dundee must "live up to its responsibilities to the city's bus users" following a significant increase in the group's annual profits. In a prominent recent article the Courier quoted Mr FitzPatrick as saying that while the company has a responsibility to its shareholders it also has a "social responsibility to maintain good routes and serve the public". This follows recent complaints in the wake of changes to bus services in Dundee.

But a few days later the Scottish media featured news articles about bus operator Stagecoach, which had appeared at a hearing conducted by the Scottish Traffic Commissioner following issues arising from an investigation by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, which is responsible for vehicle safety in the UK. This included alleged "wheel loss incidents" on Stagecoach's operations in Fife, Glasgow and Dundee, and also several fires on buses operating from the latter depot. Among the allegations made were that proper safety inspections were not carried out and that driver reluctance to report episodes of possible wheel damage may be "cultural".

It's not clear whether or not the traffic commissioner has issued her 'verdict', but if Stagecoach is found 'guilty' what's the betting that we won't be hearing Mr Fitzpatrick's views on the company's 'social responsibilities', either in the Courier or that other fearless and esteemed organ, the so-called Dundee Independent?