Changes to Highland Council school transport contractor

The Highland Council has written to parents and carers of school transport pupils to inform them that D&E Coaches have recently transferred a number of Highland Council contracts to Stagecoach and some school transport routes are included.

These changes are to take effect from the first day back after the school holidays, Monday 7th January 2019 and timetables have been supplied for the routes affected.

To ensure they are fully prepared for the volume of new contracts beginning in January 2019 Stagecoach have employed approximately 30 new drivers and are being joined by around 15 drivers from D&E Coaches. Stagecoach has also purchased a number of vehicles from D&E.

Stagecoach intends to keep the same drivers and vehicles on school routes, where possible, to ensure a smooth transition. Barring a few minor changes, they are also running to the existing D&E timetables in most cases. These were supplied to schools for issue to pupils before the end of term.

Bus passes issued for affected D&E services will be accepted by Stagecoach. 

If pupils wish to apply for a bus pass they can do online via the council’s website at:

 https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/12/school_transport

Parents or carers can contact the Council’s Transport Unit via email Public.Transport@highland.gov.uk if they have any concerns.