Double Decker Delight

The Highland Council’s in-house bus team is delighted to announce that they have taken delivery of two new double decker buses which are already out on the road providing transport as part of the fleet of council-run buses.

Photo of the in-house bus team showing Cllr Gowans the new buses.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans visited the depot to see the new vehicles and to find out how the expansion of the in-house fleet is helping to provide bus services to communities. 

“He said: “It’s great to see our in-house bus team expand and develop. These two additional buses will help with the demand that there is for us to provide more services. As well as providing transport for scheduled routes, the buses have provided hires to schools for trips to attend a wide range of activities and to community organisations.  Twenty-four schools are currently using services provided in-house across the Inverness, Black Isle and Dingwall area."

The two latest additions to the fleet are out and about every day, they will be seen on the following routes – 105 Milton of Leys, 404 Culbokie to Tore and Dingwall, school services and swimming contracts. 

This good news about these two new buses follows on from the recent launch of a Bus Ticket Sales App which allows customers to purchase tickets for travel on services and provides a QR code for scanning on ticket machines. It also provides travellers with the ability to track vehicles and gives details of the vehicle registration, service number and colour of the bus. This all helps to improve passenger safety and information on departure times can be easily seen by clicking on the bus stop map provided. 

Councillor Gowans added: “Our two new buses are already out on the road providing services. This follows on the success of our in-house bus pilot project and the very positive reaction we have had from the public. The project has always been about making financial savings, but also providing improved and more inclusive services for communities. Going forward the team will explore new opportunities and continue to provide a great service.”  

The Highland Council’s in-house bus service pilot project was launched in January 2023.  The service was set up to deliver passenger and school transport services at a lower cost than commercial contractors.  In its first year of operation, the in-house service carried 449 pupils daily who are entitled to home to school transport, and 52,046 public passengers.