Highland buses get in gear for return of schools
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From Monday (10) bus services across the Highlands will increase ahead of the return of school bus services.
The frequency increase does not only affect school journeys but will also be seen in the communities of lifeline services such as the Inverness City network.
The timetable revision will help to maintain social distancing on board the network of almost 200 buses and coaches across the Highlands, the company said.
Stagecoach has a range of measures in place to help customers travel safely and easily.
The “busy bus” indicator on the Stagecoach app uses data to provide information helping customers choose quieter bus services and maintain physical distancing. Face coverings continue to be mandatory when travelling on public transport.
David Beaton, managing director at Stagecoach Highland, said: “We have seen a slight increase in the number of people using our services as lockdown has eased and this timetable change will continue to provide plenty space for those travelling by bus to socially distance on board.
"I have been proud of the way our team has worked together over the last six months and I know all of our customers will have a warm welcome on a clean bus as our team will continue with our new daily procedures providing safe bus connections right across the Highlands.”
The local bus operator has recommended that when travelling by bus you should use contactless payment for your journey, or alternatively purchase your ticket in advance using the Stagecoach mobile app.
A number of additional safety steps have also been taken by Stagecoach including:
Continued enhanced cleaning which includes at least daily cleaning of all buses with a government-recommended sanitiser, with a particular focus on key touch points, and additional in service cleaning where possible.
All buses will continue to have a protective screen to provide a physical barrier between the driver and passenger. In line with government advice, as drivers are behind a protective screen, they do not need to wear a face covering. However, should the driver need to leave their cab to assist a customer, they will wear a face covering.
Physical distancing measures will be in place on all bus services, which means that each individual bus has around 50% of normal passenger capacity.
Printed timetable information in bus stop displays across the Highlands will be updated in due course.
New timetables are now available to download at stagecoachbus.com.
Link to timetables from Monday 3rd August here
