Dozens of Stagecoach services have been cancelled in Inverness today.
A total of 50 buses have been pulled suddenly this morning – with “unforeseen circumstances” blamed.
It comes after Stagecoach admitted it has been struggling for more than a year with driver shortages, leading to mass cancellations.
In a statement released last month, a spokesperson said: “We apologise for the recent service disruptions. While we’re making progress in recruiting drivers in Inverness, it takes time to complete their training.
“We’re doing our best to operate as many journeys as possible with our current resources and expect service to improve.”
Last month, Stagecoach drivers in the Highlands voted to strike after rejecting an “unacceptable” pay offer.
50 Inverness Stagecoach buses cancelled today
Bus routes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 16 are affected by today’s cancellations.
The worst impacted are route three with 12 cancellations and route one, with 15.
Last month, there was a week in which more than 200 buses were cancelled.
And last week, 135 Inverness services were cancelled, with 43 buses scrapped on Friday, November 1.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach North Scotland said, “We apologise to customers for the ongoing disruption to services in the Inverness area. However, service provision is improving, with over 97% of journeys operating as planned last week.
“We have a significant number of drivers currently progressing through our training school, and we expect to see them out on the roads in the coming weeks. In order to further boost recruitment, we have also now implemented a £2000 joining bonus.”
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