Highland Council bus service transports more than 50,000 in first year
More than 50,000 passengers were able to take advantage of Highland Council’s in-house bus service in its first year of operation.
The council’s economy and infrastructure committee also heard how the service also transported 449 school pupils entitled to home to school over the same period.
The pilot project was launched in January last year and as well as scheduled services has provided hires to schools, for example for swimming trips, and community organisations.
Twenty-four schools are currently using this facility across Inverness, the Black Isle and Dingwall.
Committee chairman, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “Since the pilot was launched it has moved forward at a pace, with additional routes added.
“In addition to now operating 12 key public services and delivering financial savings, the team are importantly providing a cost-effective service to schools and community groups which opens up new ways to access more leisure opportunities.
“I would like to thank our bus drivers and everyone else involved in the pilot for all their hard work and commitment to make it a success.
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“The project has always been about making financial savings, but also providing improved and more inclusive services for communities. Going forward the team will continue to explore new opportunities and providing a great service.”
An example of a recent expansion to the pilot includes an additional route, providing school transport in Strathdearn for both primary and secondary pupils, and a public service between Tomatin and Inverness. This was launched in January 2024 and, compared to the previous contract, provides a saving of £173,313 per annum.
A 53-seater coach has also been purchased to enable greater capacity for school hires. From May 20 this vehicle will also be used on two home-to-school journeys in the Nairn area, replacing a Stagecoach contract, with a cost reduction of £333,715.
Members were advised that as the in-house bus service expands, there is an opportunity to reinvest some of the savings made in strengthening public and community transport networks and supporting the emerging Bus Service Improvement Partnership. It is intended that a report on these matters will be brought to a future committee.
The committee has also agreed that a future report be brought on the implications of moving the operation to an Arm’s Length External Organisation.
