The extended network is expected to be rolled out next January
Stagecoach North Scotland has confirmed plans to expand its Inverness bus operations through the proposed acquisition of certain assets from D&E Coaches.
The company has confirmed plans to acquire some vehicles and Highland Council tenders and contracts from D&E Coaches, with 20 staff from D&E Coaches due to transfer to Stagecoach North Scotland under TUPE arrangements.
Working closely with the Highland Council, Stagecoach has reviewed the bus network analysing commercially operated services as well as Highland Council supported services to deliver better value to the local authority for their investment in the local bus network.
The proposed changes are designed to reflect customer demand and will ensure a sustainable bus network.
The new and extended bus network is expected to begin from 7 January 2019, following a public consultation which will take place between the 5 and 16 November.
David Liston, Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland said: “This acquisition will allow us to further expand our successful bus operations in the north of Scotland where we currently employ around 850 staff and operate around 350 vehicles.
“We have a strong track record in the region of attracting more people to bus travel and we will continue to focus on providing good value, high-quality bus travel for people in the area.
“The expansion will bring a host of new benefits to those travelling by bus and address a few of the issues we have been faced with. We are particularly pleased to be able to include the proposed commuter bus service from Culbokie to Inverness in line with customer feedback already received.”
Stagecoach North Scotland proposals include:
• New service 9 operating Monday – Saturday connecting Kinmylies and Holm Mills to Culduthel, Raigmore, UHI and Inverness Shopping Park. Service 9 will be the first Stagecoach bus service to use the West Link Road providing more attractive journey times for those crossing the city by bus.
• Additional service from the city centre to UHI and Raigmore as service 2U.
• Additional frequency from Culloden to UHI.
• Hourly service for Lochardil incorporating school journeys for Inverness Royal Academy.
• Peak bus service from Culbokie to Inverness on service 22.
• Extensions to Yairs View estate in North Kessock using low-floor buses on most journeys.
• Improved evening service to Beauly and Muir of Ord.
• Merkinch and Raigmore Estate services to increase in frequency from up to every 45 minutes to up to every 30 minutes.
• Bus service for scholars travelling from Evanton to Dingwall.
• Service to Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club on home match days.
Proposed timetables are now online at stagecoachbus.com.
