Passengers and MSPs are fighting to keep “vital” bus services, following the news two key routes will no longer stop at a busy Aberdeen suburb.

More than 500 people have signed a petition to First Bus, after the firm announced it will no longer include Kingswells village or the nearby park and ride on their X40 and 11 bus routes, leaving the area with no dedicated bus service.

First Bus said it will hold a consultation to “examine options for the remainder of the X40 route operating between Dubford and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary” at a later date.

The number 11 service will run between Woodend to Northfield via Kittybrewster.

A meeting between First Bus and Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald was due to take place today.

Mr McDonald said: “I am anxious to speak to senior representatives of the company face-to-face and determine what their motivations are.

“These vital services are taking people to hospitals and medical centres.

“Constituents are worried and stressed about how they are to get around the city if these changes come into effect.”

North-east MSP Mike Rumbles said commuters would have used the services more, had it been reliable.

Mr Rumbles said: “It’s not just about making a profit for bus companies, they have a responsibility to provide a service.

“Providers should be thinking outside the box to improve the reliability.”

A spokesman for First Bus said: “First Aberdeen is aware of the petition and we have expressed our own disappointment that, despite consultation and route changes, it has not been possible to increase patronage on this service to a sustainable level.

“For example, concerns had previously been raised about speed and reliability of the service – factors we addressed following feedback on our consultation in the Spring.

“We are due to enter a period of consultation with Aberdeen City Council on the planned withdrawal and we would emphasise that consulting passengers and stakeholders is at the heart of our decisions.”