Highland coach firm pledges to guard jobs after deciding to hand over public service routes
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D&E Coaches has secured Highland Council’s permission to transfer all of its public transport contracts, and almost half of its school transport contracts, to Stagecoach.
A council spokeswoman said Stagecoach “agreed to accept them on the existing terms and conditions, and the move will take effect on January 1”.
Donald Matheson, founder and managing director of D&E, said after the deal has gone through “we will still be a multi- million pound business with over 50 coaches, a workforce of 80 people and a clear path forward to fresh growth and progress”.
He added: “This arrangement leaves us space to cater for private and contract hire work, which at present we have been turning away.
“Our research shows there is considerable opportunity there and we’ll now have the capacity to meet it which means we’ll create new jobs further down the line.”
David Liston, managing director of Stagecoach North Scotland, said assets acquired would include vehicles plus the transfer of council tenders, as well as contracts around Inverness and the Black Isle.
He said 20 staff from D&E Coaches would transfer to Stagecoach under TUPE arrangements.
He added: “This acquisition will allow us to further expand our successful bus operations in the north of Scotland where we currently employ around 850 staff and operate around 350 vehicles.”
Inverness South Independent councillor Duncan Macpherson, who has been vocal about his support for a sustainable school bus service in his ward,was pleased to hear the contract transfer terms were acceptable to the council.
Cllr Macpherson said: “My concern is for the provision of the buses for the school pupils and students. I want to know that they can get to school and it is guaranteed. As long as we are covered.”
A council spokeswoman said the change was not costing the council any more money as it is “on existing terms and conditions”.
“Stagecoach has given assurances about service quality and the council will be confirming details of services with Stagecoach before they are registered with the Traffic Commissioner.
“In some cases there are slight alterations to services but generally they will continue with no change."
