Highland Council adds two double-deckers to fleet operating in Inverness, Black Isle and Dingwall
Highland Council announced two new double-decker buses have recently joined their in-house fleet.
The two latest additions to the fleet are out and about every day and will used on the various routes – including 105 Milton of Leys, 404 Culbokie to Tore and Dingwall, school services and swimming contracts.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said after a visit to the depot: “It’s great to see our in-house bus team expand and develop. These two additional buses will help with the demand that there is for us to provide more services.
“As well as providing transport for scheduled routes, the buses have provided hires to schools for trips to attend a wide range of activities and to community organisations. Twenty-four schools are currently using services provided in-house across the Inverness, Black Isle and Dingwall area."
The development follows the introduction of a ticketing app allowing customers to purchase tickets for travel on services from mobile devices as well as tracking buses.
Councillor Gowans added: “Our two new buses are already out on the road providing services. This follows on the success of our in-house bus pilot project and the very positive reaction we have had from the public. The project has always been about making financial savings, but also providing improved and more inclusive services for communities. Going forward the team will explore new opportunities and continue to provide a great service.”
The Highland Council’s in-house bus service pilot project was launched in January 2023. The service was set up to deliver passenger and school transport services at a lower cost than commercial contractors.
In its first year of operation, the in-house service carried 449 pupils daily who are entitled to home-to-school transport, and 52,046 public passengers.
