Lockdown 'all but destroyed customer numbers' on Stagecoach bus services
THE coronavirus lockdown "all but destroyed customer numbers" on Stagecoach bus services, including the X99 run between Caithness and Inverness, according to the company's managing director in the Highlands.
David Beaton made the comment in an email to north MSP Gail Ross, a copy of which has been seen by the John O'Groat Journal.
In the email on June 26 he said: "The current pandemic has all but destroyed customer numbers on our services, including the X99, and the continuation of the social distancing rule means that on the coaches we use on this service we can only carry 11 customers. As I am sure you will agree, operating a 59-seat coach with such a low number is not economically viable in the long term."
Mr Beaton also pointed out that the Caithness network operates at a loss and "is heavily subsidised by our more profitable operations, including the X99". Due to the pandemic, the company is not in "a position to bail out loss-making services", he said.
Mr Beaton admitted "the last few months have been an extremely challenging time within the business" but was pleased restrictions were being eased and that bus services could be increased from the end of June.
"We hope as lockdown continues to ease we will start to welcome more customers on board all of our services across the Highlands once again," Mr Beaton added.
Meanwhile, the company's buses are running at about 50 per cent of their maximum capacity due to coronavirus.
Stagecoach confirmed the figure following an enquiry by the John O'Groat Journal and pointed out the position is the same elsewhere.
A Stagecoach spokeswoman said: "Our buses are running at approximately 50 per cent of their full capacity at present. That is the case right across Scotland. Caithness is no different."
She added: "In line with advice from the Scottish Government our services are continuing to operate to a reduced capacity allowing for social distancing on board the bus.
"The message from the Scottish Government remains only travel using public transport, if necessary. As a result, there has been a limited increase in service use across the Highlands, with little increase in Caithness.
"We are continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure our services are supporting the phased reopening of the economy."
