Another day, more cancellations: Stagecoach pulls more than 70 services in Inverness due to staff shortages

By Michelle Henderson

November 8 2022, 9:09 am

Around 77 Stagecoach services across Inverness have been pulled from the schedule today due to staff shortages. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson.

Stagecoach Highland has cancelled more than 70 bus services across Inverness for a second day running.

The transport operator has pulled around 77 services from today’s schedule due to a lack of available drivers.

Services to and from Craig Dunain, Woodside, Balloch, Dalneigh, and Inverness city centre are to be impacted by the shortages.

Commuters relying on the number one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight will suffer the most.

The announcements were made on the operator’s Twitter page.

It is the second day running the services have been hit due to staff shortages.

It is the second day running that Stagecoach Highland bosses have announced services will be unable to run due to shortages. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson

Stagecoach says it is working hard to resolve the matter, with new staff members set to join the fleet in the coming weeks following the completion of their training.

A spokesman said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to Inverness passengers who are experiencing travel difficulties due to the situation we, and the rest of the industry, are facing at present with skills shortages.

“We are making good progress with recruitment, with a number of new drivers currently moving through the training school. It’s vital to take the time to ensure all new drivers reach the high level of professional standards we expect.

“Once they’ve completed their training, these new drivers will be out on the road in the coming weeks. To apply for one of our vacancies, please visit stagecoachbus.com.”

Which Stagecoach Highland services are disrupted?

Here’s a rundown of all the Stagecoach Highland services facing disruption:

Route 1

Queensgate to Balloch: 06:13
Balloch to Dalneigh: 06:40, 08:40, 10:40, 12:40, 14:40, 16:40
Dalneigh to Balloch: 07:38, 09:38, 11:38, 13:38, 15:38
Dalneigh to Queensgate: 17:38

Route 2

Craig Dunain to Queensgate: 19:47
Craig Dunain to Woodside: 06:13, 08:05, 10:00, 10:30, 12:00, 12:30, 14:00, 14:30, 16:00, 16:32
Woodside to Craig Dunain: 07:14, 08:59, 09:29, 10:59, 11:29, 12:59, 13:29, 14:59, 15:29, 16:59
Highfield to Woodside: 08:36
Woodside to Queensgate: 17:30

Route 3

Academy Street to Craig Dunain: 05:45, 18:32
Oakdene to Criaig Dunain: 06:27, 08:57, 11:27, 13:57, 16:27
Craig Dunaun to Oakdene: 07:45, 10:15, 12:48, 15:15, 17:56
Balloch to Craig Dunain: 18:50

#Inverness,
Good morning,
Due to the ongoing shortage of drivers, unfortunately the following services will be unable to operate. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. pic.twitter.com/tUDYDhkusT

— Stagecoach Highland (@StagecoachHLand) November 8, 2022