05 November 2008
I am delighted that Stagecoach seems to be listening to views over the change in timetabling which has caused such a problem for our commuters travelling south on the bus.
They have agreed to re-introduce the service which was previously run by Rapsons – which allowed people living in the North the chance to get to Inverness and back in the same day.
The service was well used by travellers – including day patients and visitors to Raigmore and by those from Orkney.
The consensus was that it provided a more integrated service linking with buses travelling north and south.
That is why there was such an outcry when the express service was replaced.
I’m sure the route planners thought it would be an advantage if the service went to more towns and villages, however, not if it means it takes four hours to travel.
Stagecoach has taken the comments on board and it was refreshing that at the Caithness Partnership meeting held on Friday they were contrite about the issue.
They claim to see the benefit of increased consultation and want to set up stakeholder meetings to examine services and future provision.
I am always surprised how little consultation is held and how, when this is the case, plans become unstuck.
Local knowledge tends to flag up issues long before they arise and saves time and money!
The only sticking point? It will cost the company more than a penny to resolve the remaining problem.
It’s a long way from Thurso and Wick to the first toilet stop in Dornoch for the commuters.
I imagine those travelling to Raigmore don’t want to add curled toes to any ailments, and the trip just isn’t comfortable with a full bladder.
The Stagecoach representatives have said they will try to persuade their peers of the need to have a toilet on the bus.
Let’s hope they can find a solution.
This is not just an issue for people travelling by bus – it’s and issue for everyone using the roads.
This is something the council need to speak to the tourist industry about.
Travelling around the Highlands and Islands I see in some areas hotel and bars allow non-patrons to use their facilities.
This often leads to folk having a coffee or a meal once they are inside – a win, win.
