Bus users left waiting at stops in Inverness as staffing levels causes disruption
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In recent weeks, members of the public have been noticing disruption to local bus services in Inverness.
Bus users have been left standing at stops as buses have not turned up which has caused disruption to their commutes.
Helen Steele of Inverness contacted the Inverness Courier to say: “In Inverness recently there have been some days of chaos for bus users caused by standing at stops waiting for some buses that never came.”
Bus users were left wondering what was happening and heard rumours that drivers had been sent to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.
Ms Steele said: “There are many rumours going around of bus drivers being seconded to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games, problems with websites and schedules and talk of Stagecoach being taken over by a German firm.”
We contacted Stagecoach for comment on the matter and it confirmed that some employees had been sent to support the recent Commonwealth Games.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach Highlands said: "A small number of employees from Stagecoach Highlands recently assisted in delivering bus services for a major international sporting event in the West Midlands.
“The vast majority of drivers used for this national sporting event were from England, with only a very small number from Scotland who have all now returned.
Stagecoach also confirmed that there have been adjustments to bus timetables around Inverness as it faces a staff shortage.
The spokesperson said: "The majority of routes around Inverness are running normally, although in some areas of the Inverness City Network we are having to make temporary adjustments to ensure we can run as reliable a service as we can possibly deliver, while minimising disruption to our customers.
“As with the majority of other businesses across the UK, we are experiencing unprecedented continuing issues as a result of the national skills shortage.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience and understanding during this time.”
The spokesperson stated that Stagecoach is now part of the portfolio of DWS Infrastructure, which is a German asset company.
They said: "Stagecoach is now part of a portfolio of transport and infrastructure assets managed by DWS Infrastructure.
“DWS Infrastructure has a positive track record of working with companies for the long term, and it has made significant investment in businesses that are crucial to the infrastructure that countries and communities need to flourish."
Have you been impacted by the changes to the buses? Let us know by contacting newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
