Highland Council’s new buses take to the road

Highland Council’s pilot project to run a number of in-house bus services has begun, with the first public services under way and school services starting when pupils return next week.

The council is set to make savings of around £1.4 million a year by operating an in-house bus company.

The council’s economy and infrastructure committee chairman Ken Gowans said: “Investment has been made in purchasing and leasing 12 buses, including six double-deckers, to deliver passenger and school transport services at a lower cost than commercial contractors.

“After a successful recruitment campaign, a team of drivers are now in post and the first of the pilot routes is under way. As well as achieving significant savings, we will be able to provide reliable and sustainable routes to communities."

He added: “Members of the public and school pupils are reminded that national concessionary schemes for bus transport will apply to all of these in-house services. This includes the under-22 free bus travel scheme.”

• Highland Council confirms details of its first new in-house bus services

The council will be monitoring its initial routes with a view to being able to expand services.

The public services are now under way with school services beginning on Monday.

Details of timetables are on the council’s website.

Services and bus numbers are as follows

302 Foyers - Inverness

14 Whitebridge - Inverness

312 Fort Augustus - Glen Urquhart High School

44 Tomich - Strathglass - Dingwall

46 Beauly - Marybank - Inverness

48 Tomich - Strathglass - Inverness

252 Cawdor - Nairn Academy - Cawdor Primary School

251 Nairn Town Service

404 Culbokie - Dingwall Academy

105 Milton of Leys - Millburn Academy

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