Stagecoach makes cuts to services in north Scotland network
Stagecoach buses is to cut some of it's services in the north of Scotland amid a review of its current operations.
Stagecoach buses is to cut some of it's services in the north of Scotland amid a review of its current operations.
The company said it no longer able to cover the cost of running its local network due to a fall in passengers and rising costs.
Stonehaven an Insch depots could be closed and some of the engineering functions at Elgin depot could be transferred to Inverness.
The potential options for the operator's future will be consulted on with employees.
The company has said it is working closely with trade unions to mitigate the number of redundancies and is assuring customers will be kept updated on developments as the review process continues.
Bluebird changes will be discussed with local authorities including Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Council.
David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland said: "We are a significant local employer and we understand the importance of bus services for the local community. We also know that any change can be unsettling for our people. That's why we are working closely with both the trade union to protect as many jobs and as much of the local bus services as possible.
"We're carrying out a consultation and will be working closely with staff during this process, however the reality is that we simply cannot sustain the current operation."
Services changes across the north of Scotland bus operator's network will take effect from August 19.
Full list of services experiencing changes
From 19th August 2024, the following bus services will no longer be operated by Stagecoach North Scotland:
Services 21A, 22A, 22B
Service 4
Service 8A, 8C
Service 41
Service 421
Service 221
From 19th August 2024, the following bus services will be withdrawn but customers will be able to use alternative services:
Service 37 will be replaced by Service 9.
Service 32 will remain between Elgin and Burghead.
Service 203 will be replaced by Service 201/202 extensions.
Service 74 will be covered by Service 69 extension.
Service 78 A/C will be covered by Service 76/77.
X65 will be covered by Service X62.
Service M98 will be withdrawn between Keith and Buckie.
From 19th August 2024, the following services will be subject to timetable changes:
Service 59
Service 5,6
Service 8, 8A, X8
Service 7B
Service X9
Service 9, 10C
Service 107
Service 201, 202
Service 231
Service 727
Service X60, 61, X63
Service 66
Service X67, X68, 68
Service 69, 69A
Service 76, 77
Service 81
Service 83
Service 84A, 84C
Service 270
Service 290/291, 292
Service 10, 10A
Service 33A
Service 35
Service 38
Service 301
Service 218
Service 220/X20
M96
A new Service 12 will be introduced to replace Service 35 between Elgin and Inverness. The new service will connect the Forres housing estate providing direct links to both Inverness and Elgin.
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