Changes in services between Inverness and Aberdeen as Stagecoach announces cuts in the north east

Bus users commuting between Inverness, Elgin and Aberdeen will see changes in services after Stagecoach announced a review of its North Scotland operations yesterday.

Although most services within the Highland Council area will not be changing, Bluebird Services serving the A96 will be impacted, with the operator saying this should result in “minimal” changes for customers.

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.

The review will mainly affect services in Moray and Aberdeenshire, as well as Aberdeen City.

It comes as the company has been unable to cover the cost of running its local network due to a combination of tender losses, reduced passenger demand and higher costs, saying the situation “is no longer sustainable”.

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."

The changes will be introduced from August 19.

Scottish Conservative candidate for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, Kathleen Robertson, said that proposals to cut bus services in the area threatens to isolate local people.

She said: "For many people here it is already very difficult to get around by public transport.

“For instance in Speyside, it is practically impossible to attend events in Inverness, the regional capital, by bus because the service finishes too early in the day.

"I have heard complaints like these over and over again while talking to local constituents. Older people, in particular, really fear being left isolated in their homes”.

Below is a full list of changes, which will be effective on y Stagecoach North Scotland services from August 19:

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

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.

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

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