The “nightmare” bus station in Inverness should be “flattened and built again from scratch”, according to critics.
Passengers who use Farraline Park in the city centre say it was adequate decades ago, but now it is too small a space for the number of buses coming in and out every day.
They also maintain it could have a new configuration and have called on the city to look at Edinburgh’s bus station as a model.
At a meeting of Lochaber Transport Forum, John Fotheringham, chairman of Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry community council said: “I was waiting for the bus to Fort William recently and there were three buses using the same stance.
“There were buses going to Thurso and Ullapool which left late, so we were late too.
“Edinburgh bus station is not any bigger and Inverness should look at it as a model. There could be a new configuration at Farraline Park.”
Arthur Cowie, a member of the Lochaber Disability Access Panel, added: “The bus station was adequate in the 60s and 70s, but there are bigger vehicles now and the congestion is terrible.
“There are buses waiting to get in stretching back to TK Maxx.”
Mike Cooper of Highland Council’s transport team, said: “With the size of Inverness now, it is a nightmare getting in and out of it.
“Stagecoach, which manages the bus station, do the best they can in a really small space. It’s a pity we couldn’t flatten it and start again from scratch.”
Inverness Central councillor, Richard Laird, said: “This issue comes up every so often, but there is no obvious alternative location as city centre spots are at a premium.
“But I’d be more than happy if there was a wee bit of investment put into it.”
Frank Roach of Hitrans, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, added: “It’s always been our aspiration to have the railway and bus stations working together.
“Farraline Park is very busy and access in and out could be improved. We’ve had discussions about moving it away from the city centre, but that’s where most people want to go. There has to be a compromise that’s both cheap and accessible.”
A spokesperson for Stagecoach North Scotland said: “We are always involved in discussions with Highland council to ensure that bus stop provision in the city centre is sufficient for all bus operators. This is something we closely monitor in the bus station and will continue to do so in the future. Our staff do a fantastic job ensuring all of our services operate safely within the available space.”