Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird and Highland)

[Jordan Adam]

I'm told it's not finished yet and only appeared out because Aberdeen were short. The swoops have just gone over the dealer white though.

Indeed it's not, There's bus and driver shortages at all the depots within North Scotland just now.

It was parked in front of the building Aberdeen use to paint buses this morning and looked ready to go in.

It was back in the paint shop today.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

Enviro 400H SK19 EKE is sitting in Elgin Bus Station today with service 35 branding on it. The legal lettering instead of Bluebird Buses shows Stagecoach North Scotland.

This has been eating away at me, these aren't proper e400h Diesel-Electric Hybrids, the jargin you are being fed is mainly PR-branding for these so called "Smart Hybrids".

There still just diesels with tech to boost fuel efficiency, the system is fitted to xPlore Dundees latest 400 MMCs, they make a god awful whining noise.

 

[Jordan Adam]

This has been eating away at me, these aren't proper e400h Diesel-Electric Hybrids, the jargin you are being fed is mainly PR-branding for these so called "Smart Hybrids".

There still just diesels with tech to boost fuel efficiency, the system is fitted to xPlore Dundees latest 400 MMCs, they make a god awful whining noise.

On a route like the 35 too where they're at high speed for long periods of time i can't image it will be long before passengers complain of headaches!

Ahh well, that's the bus industry these days. Go for the product which is most cost effective over one which is actually suitable.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

On a route like the 35 too where they're at high speed for long periods of time i can't image it will be long before passengers complain of headaches!

Ahh well, that's the bus industry these days. Go for the product which is most cost effective over one which is actually suitable.

It certainly appears to be so with Stagey just now! I still don’t understand Full-Hybrids on the tayside 20\21 routes.

Reasonably though, does the 35 not have a higher average running speed?

On that basis fuel efficiency would naturally be higher, I think particuarly with the extra ratio from ZF...However Voith are on the cusp of introducing a 5 speed gearbox.

 

[Jordan Adam]

It certainly appears to be so with Stagey just now! I still don’t understand Full-Hybrids on the tayside 20\21 routes.

Reasonably though, does the 35 not have a higher average running speed?

On that basis fuel efficiency would naturally be higher, I think particuarly with the extra ratio from ZF...However Voith are on the cusp of introducing a 5 speed gearbox.

The Hybrids on the 20/21 are B5LHs, which if i'm being brutally honest are better on faster rural work than they are city work, i say this from experience. They'd actually be better suited on the likes of the 35 too.

The 35 is mostly on B roads, however it mixes from wide national speed limit sections, right down to really narrow streets where barely two buses can pass. The reason they've not bought tri-axle coaches for it is that they're simply too big. If they hadn't cut the frequency over the route by 50% since 2015 they wouldn't be having capacity issues! Coaches are the only sensible option imo.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

The Hybrids on the 20/21 are B5LHs, which if i'm being brutally honest are better on faster rural work than they are city work, i say this from experience. They'd actually be better suited on the likes of the 35 too.

The 35 is mostly on B roads, however it mixes from wide national speed limit sections, right down to really narrow streets where barely two buses can pass. The reason they've not bought tri-axle coaches for it is that they're simply too big. If they hadn't cut the frequency over the route by 50% since 2015 they wouldn't be having capacity issues! Coaches are the only sensible option imo.

From my experiences in Dundee and Edin.. a couple of years ago the B5LHs on the 73’s(dun) and 300(edi) are poor on hills with the iShift being particularly caught out in such situations not to mention with the lengthy gearshifts hindering acceleration. Lothians B5TL/Ecolifes on there 3 route ticks over @ 300rpm lower when cruising as the iShift in the Hybrids has a few of its gears locked out for some unknown reasons.

I only speak from what Knowledge I have(city boy of course), but I recall the x7 coastriders route being very up and down! Torque convertors suit that type of work much better.

Coach-style seats, Tinted windows and Alcoa’s on a 400 MMC or CITY should easily cut the “premium” feel required for a route that would otherwise use a coach.

 

[Jordan Adam]

From my experiences in Dundee and Edin.. a couple of years ago the B5LHs on the 73’s(dun) and 300(edi) are poor on hills with the iShift being particularly caught out in such situations not to mention with the lengthy gearshifts hindering acceleration. Lothians B5TL/Ecolifes on there 3 route ticks over @ 300rpm lower when cruising as the iShift in the Hybrids has a few of its gears locked out for some unknown reasons.

I only speak from what Knowledge I have(city boy of course), but I recall the x7 coastriders route being very up and down! Torque convertors suit that type of work much better.

Coach-style seats, Tinted windows and Alcoa’s on a 400 MMC or CITY should easily cut the “premium” feel required for a route that would otherwise use a coach.

It's funny you mention the X7, i've been on the B5LHs quite a few times on the X7 over long distances and quite honest i found no issues at all, to the point where i've been on them uphill on the A90 overtaking cars. They quite happily sit at just over 50MPH. The B5LHs are just not suited to start stop work, put them on express or rural work and they're brilliant.

The E400MMCs or any bus no matter how specified will never match the feel of a coach, it's as simple as that. The biggest issue is actually the lack of toilet and storage space. The 35 gets quite a number of cyclists.

 

[Gingerbus1991]

It's funny you mention the X7, i've been on the B5LHs quite a few times on the X7 over long distances and quite honest i found no issues at all, to the point where i've been on them uphill on the A90 overtaking cars. They quite happily sit at just over 50MPH. The B5LHs are just not suited to start stop work, put them on express or rural work and they're brilliant.

The E400MMCs or any bus no matter how specified will never match the feel of a coach, it's as simple as that. The biggest issue is actually the lack of toilet and storage space. The 35 gets quite a number of cyclists.

Those cyclists are screwed, luggage racking can be put on deckers of course.

Let's call a well spec'd decker a close 2nd choice to a coach, especially in countries like America and Canada where E500s are used on many intercity long distance routes, the e500 superlow is a prime example.

Plaxtons Panther LE sets too blur those lines further.

Take it easy with a B5H and you can get a fair distance on electric power alone, if you really need a hybrid both with a combined cruising/town driving ability it's the best choice I agree, can't get past the reliability issues that seem to plague at least the original 400h though, but if it's driving around town solely the continuous traction from a series hybrid is way better, I never got the opportunity to drive a lothian 400h but as a passenger they seem very incapable of goin any distance without the engine cutting back in at times when the D5K could stay quiet.

My absolute biggest pet peeve is the gearshifts from Automated Manuals, The iShift and Traxon from ZF do have a Dual-Clutch version which would completely transform those otherwise lazy shifts, of course there still better nowadays than those first fitted to B12Bs, newer versions are able to choose there gears more wisely.

 

[Jordan Adam]

For those who it may interest here's a full list of fleet numbers and registrations for all 15 Enviro400MMCs due to enter service soon on the 35.

11161 SK19 EKD
11162 SK19 EKE
11163 SK19 EKF
11164 SK19 EKG
11165 SK19 EKH
11166 SK19 EKJ
11167 SK19 EKL
11168 SK19 EKM
11169 SK19 EKO
11170 SK19 EKP
11171 SK19 EKR
11172 SK19 EKT
11173 SK19 EKU
11174 SK19 EKV
11175 SK19 EKA

*11175 was originally SK19ELA, but has since been re-registered.

 

[GusB]

Which depots will these new deckers be allocated to?

 

[Jordan Adam]

Which depots will these new deckers be allocated to?

All are due to go to Macduff to replace the 16 Panthers currently there.

 

[Morayshire]

SK19 EKG was waiting in Union Square Bus station in Aberdeen this morning. Very obviously brand new (very shiny) with at least one driver/manager taking photos of it

 

[Jordan Adam]

SK19 EKG was waiting in Union Square Bus station in Aberdeen this morning. Very obviously brand new (very shiny) with at least one driver/manager taking photos of it

At least 11161, 11163 and 11164 were in service today.

 

[Volvodart]

11167 is in service today with proper legals rather than the bodged job on the earlier deliveries to change the as delivered Stagecoach North Scotland to Bluebird Buses. Surprisingly, they do not appear to have much luggage space.

 

[Jordan Adam]

The new Bain's Coaches 777 timetable is on traveline, they've effectively axed the full route with the exception of the 8:25 departure from Kingswells which now starts at Union Terrace and goes to Oldmeldrum after serving Kirkhill.

Here's a link to the timetable on Bustimes.org which saves you having to download a PDF.
https://bustimes.org/services/777-oldmeldrum-dyce-kirkhill-industrial-estate?date=2019-04-16

 

[jamieintercity]

A megasightseeing london trident was noted on the A90 this afternoon going to aberdeen, maybe to be painted for Orkney

 

[Jordan Adam]

A megasightseeing london trident was noted on the A90 this afternoon going to aberdeen, maybe to be painted for Orkney

Or more likely.... https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/f...en-top-tourist-buses-could-return-to-aberdeen

 

[Red Onion]

The new Bain's Coaches 777 timetable is on traveline, they've effectively axed the full route with the exception of the 8:25 departure from Kingswells which now starts at Union Terrace and goes to Oldmeldrum after serving Kirkhill.

Here's a link to the timetable on Bustimes.org which saves you having to download a PDF.
https://bustimes.org/services/777-oldmeldrum-dyce-kirkhill-industrial-estate?date=2019-04-16

It never seemed well used from what I saw, I was surprised it lasted as long as it did. I never understood the purpose of it either, it was a strange route! Although I did make use of it once when I lived in Westhill to catch a flight, saved me the £20 taxi fare! If only it had run for my return flight

 

[Jordan Adam]

It never seemed well used from what I saw, I was surprised it lasted as long as it did. I never understood the purpose of it either, it was a strange route! Although I did make use of it once when I lived in Westhill to catch a flight, saved me the £20 taxi fare! If only it had run for my return flight

It had it's regulars, also the morning run between Oldmeldrum and Inverurie was always busy as the 240 doesn't start until slightly later. On that note, there's a real market for buses between Kemnay, Inverurie and Oldmeldrum. I suspect the 240 is the main thing keeping Bain's going as it's always busy and could easily sustain a 30 Minute frequency, with evening and Sunday service.

The final straw for the 777 was the launch of the 747/757. The new route is really just a "placement journey".

Currently the 7:04 305 from Oldmeldrum that gets in to Aberdeen at 8:00 goes dead to Kingswells to work the 8:25 777. What they've pretty much done is advanced the 8:25 777 from Kingswells to 8:30, then extended it in to Aberdeen and out to Oldmeldrum replacing the dead running on the duty. The bus on the 305/777 duty is notorious for picking up people along Queens Road while going between runs, so this effectively makes that more legal (if that's the right term).

Not related to the 777 but it is related to Bains. The 305 still does well and will remain safe provided Stagecoach don't increase the 35 and divert it via Union Terrace. The Prime use of the 305 is as a school service for pupils at Robert Gordons School, however it is a public service (which i've used many times) and again there are regulars who use it. In particular a old lady who gets the 14:19 from Oldmeldrum to Berryden, does her shopping then catches the same bus again normally on the 15:55 run back home.

Bain's actually have a fairly decent website, it's a shame the timetables for the 305 & 777 are outdated.
For example the following buses no longer operate despite being shown on their website...

• 08:17 305 from Oldmeldrum
• 7:22 777 from Kepplehills
• 17:22 777 from Aberdeen Airport

I should perhaps note while blabbering on that the new 777 will continue to use the back road rather than AWPR like the 747/757 do.

 

[Jordan Adam]

There are quite a number of fleet movements currently or away to happen, here's a short list of them so far.

27515 Aberdeen to Highlands
27538 Aberdeen to Highlands
27809 Stonehaven to Highlands
47604 Highlands to Aberdeen
47876 Aberdeen to Elgin
53226 Orkney to Aberdeen (LTR)
53269 Insch (On loan from Elgin) to Orkney
53314 Insch to Highlands
53316 Insch to Highlands
53337 Stonehaven to Highlands
53338 Aberdeen to Highlands
53642 Aberdeen to Highlands

All 5 B7TLs are to be retained and repainted.

The Hydrogens may stay at Stagecoach until December, however due to funding issues only 29901/6 are currently in use.

 

[83G/84D]

I was in Inverness yesterday and saw 34728 (SP05 ELC) at the depot. It seems to have had some sort of conversion work carried out on it. Not sure what it’s to be used for.

Adding to the previous post 53314, 53316 and 53338 were here after transfer.

 

[Jordan Adam]

I was in Inverness yesterday and saw 34728 (SP05 ELC) at the depot. It seems to have had some sort of conversion work carried out on it. Not sure what it’s to be used for.

Adding to the previous post 53314, 53316 and 53338 were here after transfer.

34728 is Stagecoach North Scotland's publicity bus. It tends to live up at Inverness depot as there's where management are all based.

 

[83G/84D]

Great, thanks.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Full list of fleet movements for Period 12

Alexander-Dennis Enviro400 MMC:
11161 SK19 EKD New to MacDuff
11162 SK19 EKE New to MacDuff
11163 SK19 EKF New to MacDuff
11164 SK19 EKG New to MacDuff
11165 SK19 EKH New to MacDuff
11166 SK19 EKJ New to MacDuff
11167 SK19 EKL New to MacDuff
11168 SK19 EKM New to MacDuff
11169 SK19 EKO New to MacDuff
11170 SK19 EKP New to MacDuff
11171 SK19 EKR New to MacDuff
11172 SK19 EKT New to MacDuff
11173 SK19 EKU New to MacDuff
11174 SK19 EKV New to MacDuff
11175 SK19 EKW New to MacDuff

Dennis Trident:
18061 OXI 459 Aberdeen to Summer reserve
18068 540 FFX Aberdeen to Summer reserve (Inverness)
18112 WA04 FNZ reserve to Inverness
18113 WA04 FOC reserve to Inverness
18119 WA04 FOM reserve to Inverness
18124 YN04 KGJ reserve to Inverness
18337 AE55 DJX reserve to Inverness
18339 AE55 DJZ reserve to Inverness
18345 AE55 DKN reserve to Long term reserve

Alexander-Dennis Enviro400:
19173 SV57 BFZ Insch to Long term reserve
19373 SV58 BMU Peterhead to Long term reserve
19375 SV58 BMZ Inverness to Peterhead
19377 SV58 BNB Aberdeen to Stonehaven
19552 SP59 APO reserve to Stagecoach West Scotland

MAN 18.240:
22779 CN09 AAE Aberdeen to Long term reserve

Alexander-Dennis Enviro300:
27103 SL14 DBZ Aberdeen to Insch
27797 SV12 CZG Aberdeen to StonehaveN

Alexander-Dennis Enviro350 Hybrid:
29011 SP12 DYG Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29012 SP12 DYH Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29013 SP12 DYJ Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29014 SP12 DYM Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29015 SP12 DYN Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29016 SP12 DYS Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29017 SP12 DYT Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29018 SP12 DYU Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen
29019 SP12 DYV Stagecoach East Scotland to Aberdeen

Van Hool A330:
29901 SV14 DMX Aberdeen to reserve
29902 SV14 DMU Aberdeen to reserve
29903 SV64 BPZ Aberdeen to reserve
29904 SV64 BRF Aberdeen to reserve
29905 SV64 BRZ Aberdeen to reserve
29906 SV64 BRX Aberdeen to reserve

Alexander-Dennis Enviro200:
36031 SV07 FCC Aberdeen to Stonehaven
36048 SV08 GUW Aberdeen to Stonehaven
36050 SV08 GVA MacDuff to Peterhead
36206 SP60 DYW Inverness to Long term reserve
37258 SL64 HWR Inverness to Long term reserve

DAF SB120:
39881 YG52 CEN Inverness to Long term reserve

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter:
44023 BV66 GUJ Peterhead to MacDuff

Optare Solo:
47167 SP05 EFF Elgin to Peterhead
47216 SV55 BZW Peterhead to disposal
47483 PX07 HBE Insch to disposal
47488 PX07 HBK Peterhead to disposal
47490 PX07 HBN Aberdeen to Insch
47495 SF57 DRO Stagecoach West Scotland to Stonehaven
47572 YJ05 XOL Stonehaven to Stagecoach West Scotland
47604 SV08 FZP Portee to Stonehaven
47875 YD63 UYU Aberdeen to Insch

Van Hool Astromega:
50233 CN61 FAA reserve to Stagecoach West Scotland

Volvo B12B:
53111 SV09 EGF Thurso to Long term reserve

Volvo B7R:
53279 SP07 HHF Kirkwall to Long term reserve
53335 9637 EL Long term reserve to Peterhead

Volvo B9R:
53628 CSU 920 MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53629 FSU 797 MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53630 GSU 950 MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53631 MSU 463 MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53633 SV61 CUH MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53634 TSV 780 MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53635 TSV 781 MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53637 KX61 GDV MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53638 KX61 GDY MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53639 KX61 GDZ MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53640 KX61 GEJ MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53641 KX61 GEK MacDuff to reserve-prep for service
53642 KX61 GEU MacDuff to reserve-prep for service

Volvo B12BT:
54049 SF08 GTU Stagecoach East Scotland to disposal
54064 SV59 CGZ reserve to Stagecoach East Scotland

Volvo B11R:
54244 YX65 ZKD Long term reserve to Peterhead

Mercedes-Benz Vario:
59618 FJ05 XYT reserve to Stagecoach East Scotland
59619 FJ05 XYN reserve to Stagecoach East Scotland

Bova Futura:
59623 Y658 HWY Inverness to Long term reserve

(Note this does not include the movements i mentioned the other day which will come under period 13)

 

[backontrack]

That will be Plaxton Interdeck 54210.

I tried re-livery-ing one a while ago. How's this?

You have to squint a bit...
Thinking about it, I'd replace the white with a bit of light blue.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Here are the current locations of the Panther 2s displaced by the new Enviro400MMCs.

53626 - Moray
53627 - LTR at Volvo Portlethen
53628 - Caithness
53629 - Caithness
53630 - Moray
53631 - Caithness
53632 - LTR at Volvo Portlethen
53633 - Moray
53634 - Aberdeen
53635 - Aberdeen
53636 - Aberdeen
53637 - Aberdeen
53638 - Aberdeen
53639 - Aberdeen
53640 - Inverness
53641 - Moray
53642 - Moray
53643 - Aberdeen
53644 - Aberdeen
53645 - Stonehaven

 

[Jordan Adam]

Some Minor (sort of) updates.

Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird Buses Ltd) are to launch a new Service 44 this summer operating 6 days a week between Kingswells Park & Ride and Countesswells.

New bus route for Countesswells

The new community at Countesswells is to get its first bus route.

Stagecoach North Scotland and Countesswells Development Limited (CDL) have entered the consultation period of the bus service registration process with Aberdeen City Council to provide a dedicated bus route for the growing number of residents in the new community to the west of the city.

To date the infrastructure brought onto the site includes new roads, utilities and fibre optic broadband and, along with the landscaping, represents £15m of investment into the new community.

CDL will now invest privately with partners Stagecoach North Scotland to deliver the much sought-after bus route.

The new public transport links will be a welcome addition to the community which already boasts significant inter-community connectivity including improved green space that allows walkers, cyclists and horse-riders to travel from one woodland to another, as well as the fastest broadband speeds in the country.

Community liaison officer, Karen Watt is pleased to finally be able to give existing and future residents a timescale for the provision of public transport links. She said: “Since residents first moved in we have been working tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to bring forward solutions for public transport options to Countesswells and I’m pleased we have finally arrived at a solution to service the growing number of residents.

“Having considered various approaches including new routes and services, we have worked with Stagecoach to offer a bespoke service between Countesswells and Kingswells Park and Ride.”

The new number 44 service, which is planned to launch in summer 2019 will be operated by Stagecoach North Scotland and provide a half hourly, 6-day service (Monday – Saturday) operating until 7pm between Countesswells and the Kingswells Park and Ride. Fares will provide through travel from Countesswells to the city centre, valid on the number 44 and X17 services.

Daniel Laird, commercial director for Stagecoach North Scotland explained: “We are committed to making bus travel easy for everyone to access and we have worked closely with Countesswells Development Limited to design a service that offers an affordable and frequent connection to both Aberdeen and Westhill for the new community. The new service will benefit from the range of advances we have introduced in travelling by bus including live bus tracking through our mobile app and contactless payment facilities on board.”

Mrs Watt added: “Subject to approval from the Council and with the backing of Stagecoach North Scotland, this further shows our commitment to making Countesswells a truly exceptional place in which to live, work and play.”

​

The Council funded Service 94 operating from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to Aberdeen Crematorium is risking being axed after figures show the service averages only 7 passengers per day.

Concerns for future of Aberdeen bus service

With an average of seven passengers a day, Councillor Martin Greig is concerned for the future of the crematorium bus service​

However, council bosses have once again opted to keep it running for the next financial year as part of the city’s Common Good budget. Councillor Martin Greig, who represents Hazlehead, Queen’s Cross and Countesswells, has now urged more people to make use of the service.

He said: “We set up the crematorium bus service to help those who rely on public transport. It is important to improve access.

“The bus needs to be publicised so more passengers are aware they can benefit from this travel option.

“I have been contacted by constituents who have said that when they have seen the bus there has been nobody on it. Although I don’t think stopping it has been seriously considered, clearly people do have concerns about it.”

A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council declined to comment.

A councillor is urging more people to make use of a bus link after it emerged it carries fewer than eight people per day.

The 94 service, which is operated by Stagecoach, serves Aberdeen Crematorium at Hazlehead.

It was set up in April 2013 to help visitors to the site avoid a kilometre-long uphill walk from the nearest bus stop.

It runs from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, calling at Woodend Terminus before operating as a “hail and ride”, picking up and dropping off at passengers’ request, on its route to the crematorium.

However, latest figures from Aberdeen City Council for the last financial year show an average of just 7.6 people are using the service each day. It is understood passenger numbers have remained relatively steady over the six years the bus has been operating, with between 1,500 and 2,000 people using it every year.

The service costs £155 each day to run – amounting to around £39,000 over the course of the financial year.

That means each journey taken on the bus is subsidised by £20.95, with the money to make up the cost coming from the city’s Common Good Fund.

The Evening Express has seen correspondence showing the future of the service has been considered by councillors amid question marks over its long-term viability.

 

[Jordan Adam]

This hadn't been mentioned in the consultation, nor in the confirmation post for the service changes. However following the withdrawal of the 201 beyond Ballater on Sundays, Stagecoach are now operating a free shuttle service 901 between Ballater and Braemar on behalf of the council designed to connect with the 201 (albeit with a really long wait at Ballater inbound!).

Stagecoach North Scotland Deeside Guide April 2019

 

[Jordan Adam]

In addition to my post last night the Saturday 273 is also no longer being withdrawn, following petitions the council has decided to continue the service as prior to the changes.

 

[Volvodart]

Stagecoach staff ‘bullied into driving faulty buses’

https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/stagecoach-staff-bullied-into-driving-faulty-buses-1-4916358

Stagecoach staff ‘bullied into driving faulty buses’

ALASTAIR DALTON
Email
Published: 23:48
Saturday 27 April 2019
Updated: 09:44
Sunday 28 April 2019

One of Scotland’s biggest bus firms is being investigated after a whistleblower claimed drivers had been bullied into operating faulty vehicles.

The allegations against Stagecoach included buses being operated from its Inverness depot with red or amber brake, engine, and emission warning lights coming on, and holes in the side of vehicles.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said one of its intelligence officer was investigating the claims at Stagecoach North Scotland, which carries some 16 million passengers a year.

A worker at the firm told Scotland on Sunday: “I have personally found faults with multiple vehicles, such as amber engine management lights, amber emissions lights, amber anti-lock braking system lights and others, which, when presented to a fitter are merely signed off without them even looking at the affected bus.

“Rules are blatantly being ignored. If a driver refuses to take a bus out, they may feel intimidated by controllers/managers.

“If drivers feel threatened they generally back down and take the bus out. Very few drivers have the courage or know the rules well enough to stand their ground.

“On occasions, certain controllers rip up defect cards. The other day, a driver found a defect. He took the card into the office and it was torn up in front of him and the controller said ‘Look, no more defect’ and gave the bits back to the driver laughing.

“Fitters say they aren’t given the time to fix the buses and they get threatened/an ear bashing if they take buses off the road.”

The worker also claimed the bodywork of several buses had sharp edges or holes, which posed a safety risk.

He further alleged several buses had gone out without the operator’s licence that must be displayed to carry passengers.

Walter Brown, DVSA enforcement delivery manager for Scotland said: “Our priority is to protect everyone from unsafe vehicles and drivers.

“We are aware of the allegations against Stagecoach’s operations in the Highlands. These have been sent to a DVSA intelligence officer and it will be dealt with appropriately.”

Greig Mackay, acting director of watchdog Bus Users Scotland, said: “We will check for any sharp edges and general standards within the vehicles.”

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach said: “As soon as these claims were raised with us, we began a thorough investigation, undertaken by a director from outwith the North Scotland business.

“That on-going review has identified some deficiencies around the way some processes were being followed, and these appear to be linked to the additional work taken on by the depot at the beginning of the year, which temporarily caused added work pressure that is now being managed more effectively.

“As a result of our review, we have identified a number of areas where we will be strengthening our management and putting additional checks in place.

“We expect our people to be able to work in a professional and supportive environment where they can undertake their roles effectively and raise any concerns freely.

“However, our investigation so far has shown a number of the claims made are not currently supported by our findings. Certain other claims appear to have resulted from a simple misunderstanding.”