Ongoing bus cancellations in Inverness raise concerns among commuters

Stagecoach faces backlash as bus cancellations persist in Inverness area.

Inverness is currently facing significant disruptions in its public transport system, with Stagecoach announcing the cancellation of 40 bus services today alone. This situation is a continuation of a troubling trend, as the operator has been grappling with a persistent driver shortage that has led to widespread service interruptions.

Impact of driver shortages on bus services

Stagecoach, which has been under pressure for months due to this shortage, issued an apology yesterday after 50 bus services were cut. The company attributed these cancellations to “unforeseen circumstances,” a statement that has done little to quell the frustration of local commuters.

Many rely on these services for their daily commutes, and the ongoing disruptions have raised concerns about the reliability of public transport in the region.

Recent statistics on service cancellations

Last week alone, a staggering 135 services were cancelled in Inverness, with 90 cancellations reported so far this week. The most affected routes include the primary connections across the Highland capital, particularly routes 1, 2, and 3. Route 1, which connects Balloch and Dalneigh, has seen the highest number of cancellations, with 18 services pulled. Additionally, route 3, linking Oakdane Park and Craig Dunain, has experienced eight cancellations, while route 2 has seen two.

Stagecoach’s response and future plans

A spokesperson for Stagecoach North Scotland expressed regret over the ongoing disruptions, stating, “We apologise to customers for the ongoing disruption to services in the Inverness area. However, service provision is improving, with over 97% of journeys operating as planned last week.” The operator has indicated that they currently have a significant number of drivers in training, with expectations that they will be on the roads in the coming weeks. To further enhance recruitment efforts, Stagecoach has introduced a £2,000 joining bonus, aiming to attract new drivers to alleviate the current staffing crisis.

As the situation develops, commuters in Inverness are left hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing bus cancellations, which have become a significant inconvenience in their daily lives. With the promise of improved service provision on the horizon, many are cautiously optimistic about the future of public transport in the area.