Linking on to my thread on the line between coach and bus travel, where do you think Citylink comes into this? Is it a local bus or an express coach?

[NorwichRailFan]

Hi all, what is everyones opinion on the above?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Very much like German Regionalbusse, or similar concepts existing in other countries.

 

[NorthOxonian]

It probably varies by route - the "6 cities network" routes are clearly express coaches in my view, but a route like the 926 which spends most of its time trundling down Kintyre is not (or at least, it's no different to some of Stagecoach's longer routes like the Arbroath X7 or the Caithness X99).

And in some cases it's a mix. Last summer I took the 913 from Edinburgh to Fort William - for the first part of the route the route feels like an express coach with long gaps between stops, but once you get into the Highlands this changes and it feels more like a conventional bus service. There was also a change in the demographics on board, with passengers north of Crianlarich tending to make shorter journeys and using smaller intermediate stops, whereas more southerly passengers (including me) tended to make longer journeys and only use the main stops as you'd expect on a coach.

So I've voted for "Something in between" but my real answer would be "It depends".

 

[Spsf3232]

I would go for express coach services for the 900 and M services northbound. Local service on the routes to Campbeltown, Oban, Uig, and the Loch Ness service as they will stop anywhere of safe to do so

 

[Bletchleyite]

I would go for express coach services for the 900 and M services northbound. Local service on the routes to Campbeltown, Oban, Uig, and the Loch Ness service as they will stop anywhere of safe to do so

The 900 is basically the same as the Oxford Tube - a specific type of coach service that mostly isn't booked in advance*, runs very frequently and has high demand. Different from anything e.g. National Express runs, but not an unusual concept in Scotland generally due to the underdeveloped rail network.

* I suspect most people these days probably do buy some sort of e-ticket, but likely not well in advance as you might if travelling on a longer, less frequent coach service like most of National Express or the English Megabus services.

 

[JKP]

I would go for express coach services for the 900 and M services northbound. Local service on the routes to Campbeltown, Oban, Uig, and the Loch Ness service as they will stop anywhere of safe to do so

I agree. One must remember that due to low population density in the Highlands, the use of long distance coach services is the only way to provide sustainable public transport. Unlike National Express, over 60s and under 22 pass holders can use Citylink free of charge, though can reserve seats at a small fee.

 

[GusB]

This was brought up in another thread yesterday and there's no point in having the same discussion on two different threads. Please use this one:

Where to draw the line between coach and bus services?

Hello, I know that in the long history of the forum this question has probably been asked many times, but I'm asking again. Where do we draw the line between coach and bus travel? is it the vehicle type, concessionary pass acceptance, or something totally different. I think Scottish...

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