Bus firm lodges appeal over fine

Joan Aitken, traffic commissioner for Scotland, fined the firm

A bus company which was fined £131,750 for not running some services and leaving passengers at bus stops has lodged an appeal.

First In Scotland East, which runs services in Edinburgh and the Forth Valley, was handed the financial penalty by the traffic commissioner.

The company has lodged its appeal with the Transport Tribunal.

The traffic commissioner, Joan Aitken, said she was surprised and disappointed the firm had chosen to appeal the fine.

A public inquiry was held in November last year after complaints about the services run by First In Scotland East.

The firm was found without "reasonable excuse", operating in contravention of the Transport Act 1985.

A spokesperson for the traffic commissioner said: "The traffic commissioner is surprised and disappointed that the companies have chosen to appeal.

"The inquiry decision shows that she had clear evidence that they had failed in their duties to the passengers in their areas."