A multimillion-pound fleet of new buses has come under fire amid accusations their steps are too steep for some passengers to get up.
Stagecoach introduced the 10 luxury coaches in November last year at a cost of £2.75million to run the busy route from Aberdeen to Inverness.
Now the plush vehicles have been criticised for being almost impossible for some pensioners and disabled people to access.
The operator insisted that the buses comply with all the required legislation.
But Moray MP Douglas Ross revealed that travellers have witnessed some passengers being “physically pushed” up the steps due to them being unable to make the climb themselves.
And Eleanor Hayward, secretary of Forres Community Council, has heard complaints from town residents saying they have found the access “virtually impossible”.
She said: “The steps on the new coaches are not fit for purpose for those who are disabled.
“The design has not taken into account those who are less able in our communities but still wish to lead an independent life. It’s particularly important for those attending hospital appointments in Elgin and Aberdeen.
“I consider myself to be reasonably fit but even I struggle with them, just because they are too steep.”
Both the community council and Mr Ross have now written to Stagecoach’s manager in the region, Mark Whitelocks, to review the buses.
The firm has been urged to consider using vehicles which are capable of lowering their front ramps to provide a shorter step onto the vehicle.
Mr Ross said: “There’s a concern that Stagecoach is failing it is duty to the public to provide adequate access.
“I’ve been told that people have seen a frail elderly lady using the bus had to position herself to be able to physically push her disabled husband up the steps after his wheelchair was stowed underneath by the driver.
“It really is unacceptable and should not be happening when there are other buses with better access available.”
A spokeswoman for Stagecoach North Scotland said: “Our brand-new fleet operating on service 10 from Aberdeen to Inverness has been very welcome news to the local communities since their introduction in November.
“All of our buses and coaches fully comply with all the required legislation. We will respond to letters from Douglas Ross and Forres Community Council.”