Stagecoach cuts Forres to Inverness service but says changes will benefit public
A bus service between Forres and Inverness is being scrapped as part of changes to Stagecoach services.
The number 12 bus will only operate between Forres and Elgin from July 7, under the plans.
However, the service will now service both Thornhill Grant Drive in Forres and Elgin Retail Park.
Blaming the change on “low usage” and cost pressures, the bus firm argued the new timetables would benefit customers between Aberdeen and Inverness.
It also claimed that changes would include measures to compensate for the cutting of the number 12.
Stagecoach said it would increase the frequency of the M96 service, meaning that two buses an hour would link Inverness to Forres and Elgin.
The service will also include added stops at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, Dalcross, Nairn Road and Sainsbury’s.
Both the 10/10A and M96 services are set to continue running hourly.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach North Scotland confirmed: "Due to low usage and rising costs, Service 12 will no longer operate between Forres and Inverness from July 7, 2025.
“However, customers will still have two buses per hour between Inverness, Forres, and Elgin thanks to increased frequency on Service M96.
“Services 10 and M96 also offer connections to Forres via Elgin.
“Service 12 will continue to operate on a frequent timetable between Elgin and Forres, now serving Moray College and Asda to provide a new local link."
