A north-east councillor has raised concerns about the accessibility of next-generation buses for elderly and disabled passengers.
Last month, Stagecoach unveiled a fleet of 17 brand new Buchan Xpress coaches, which operate between Aberdeen and Buchan coast.
The new vehicles boast leather reclining seats and bike lockers, but Central Buchan councillor Jim Ingram says accessibility to the glitzy interior is a problem.
Mr Ingram raised concerns about the “virtually inaccessible” stairs which must be climbed to reach all but two of the coaches’ seats.
In a letter to Aberdeenshire Council’s transport team, Mr Ingram writes: “I am confident that like myself you are being inundated with complaints concerning the suitability of those new buses introduced on the Buchan services, in particular from the elderly, the infirm and also those parents who struggle with young children.
“Without exception people are of the view that they are lovely vehicles, and comfortable once you are seated, however it is unfortunate that the using public are largely of the opinion that they are unsuitable for the general service use being demanded of them.”
He has now called on the local authority’s transport team to sit down with operator Stagecoach to hammer out a solution to the concerns.
A spokesman for the council said the authority is aware of the concerns and could arrange a meeting with Stagecoach.
But a spokeswoman for Stagecoach North Scotland said the buses are actually more accessible than their predecessors. She said: “The old Buchan Link coaches that have been replaced did not feature any low level seating and every passenger using our service had no option but to use the stairs to get to their seat.
“The new coaches feature two seats on the same low-floor level as the driver and wheelchair space, these two seats will be used for priority passengers who have difficulty using the stairs or for anyone travelling with a wheelchair passenger.”
The new service has so far proved popular and weekly passenger numbers on the route have risen from an average of 25,000 to a total of 32,000 last week.
The spokeswoman added that Stagecoach North Scotland welcome all feedback, particularly from passengers.
