THE QUALITY OF BUSES operated by Stagecoach in Moray is to improve with the company saying they will invest in their fleet and update those used in Moray.
Welcoming the news, Moray’s MP Douglas Ross said he has been told that the £2million being spent in new vehicles for the No.10 route between Inverness and Aberdeen will happening “within weeks”.
The MP is to convene a public meeting next week at which bus users will be offered the chance to question Stagecoach managers – and said the announcement was a welcome step forward.
Mr Ross said: “After I contacted Stagecoach on behalf of constituents who had experienced delays and cancellations due to broken down vehicles, I was told that a £2 million investment in new vehicles for then Number 10 route which runs between Inverness and Aberdeen would be coming in a matter of weeks.
“I also understand that the buses they are replacing will take the place of older vehicles in the fleet, including on the number 35 service in Moray reducing the age profile of local vehicles by three years.
“This is welcome if not long overdue investment but more needs to be done to address the concerns of constituents who are living in other areas which have had services removed and this is something I intend to tackle at the public meeting I have arranged on October 5.”
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland said on the investment: “This investment is all about delivering better coach services in our area. We are committed to encouraging more people to travel by bus and we hope that when the community see the new coaches they will make bus a better choice to fulfil their travel needs.
“The 10 new coaches demonstrate our investment in greener, more efficient vehicles that link communities, places of employment and essential services.”
“Our new vehicles will also be Euro VI compliant meaning we are also continuing our work to reduce our impact on the environment and improving air quality. Bus continues to be part of the solution for improving air quality in our towns and cities.”
The meeting is being held at St Giles Church on the Plainstones in Elgin at 6.30pm on October 5 and all are welcome to attend.