Inverness passengers furious after some diverted buses refuse to pick them up at an alternative bus stop
Stagecoach bus passengers in Inverness were angry and dismayed after some drivers refused to stop to pick them up at a city centre bus-stop they were advised to use after their regular stops were put out of use by emergency roadworks.
But after an approach by the Inverness Courier, Stagecoach has apologised to stranded passengers, and taken action to resolve the issue.
Stops in Bridge Street and Castle Street were forced out of action after Bridge Street and Castle Street were shut by a sinkhole appearing outside the Town House early last week.
Signs posted by Stagecoach in the Bridge Street and Castle Street bus-shelters advised passengers to go to Academy Street or Falcon Square to catch the rerouted No 4 and No 7 buses. that serve Raigmore Hospital, Milton of Leys, Culduthel, Lochardil and Drummond.
While some drivers did use the Falcon Square stop as an alternative halt, others refused, with one telling passengers it had not been designated as an official alternative stop and they “could get into trouble” if they used it.
One furious passenger trying to head home from the city centre said: “It is a piece of nonsense to say they cannot use the stop on a part-time basis. A lot of people were left in the lurch because of this.
“Mixed messages seem to have been given by some of those involved.”
A spokeswoman for Stagecoach confirmed that Falcon Square should have been used as a temporary stop for the affected routes.
She said: "We have been made aware of some instances where drivers did not pick up passengers from the temporary stop at Falcon Square, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“Diversion information has been recirculated to all drivers today." (Thursday
