Fears have been raised that an overhaul of bus timetables in Moray could negatively impact on the region’s international links.
Stagecoach is reviewing services in the region to improve punctuality and reliability across the network.
However, yesterday the proposals were described as “mixed news” for Moray.
The transport company wants to withdraw the number 11 service to Inverness Airport from Elgin and Forres – instead recommending passengers change at Nairn.
Last night, Forres councillor Aaron McLean welcomed the extra stops at the town’s Enterprise Park, but was concerned changing buses may deter people from taking public transport to the airport.
He said: “It’s good news and bad news. There are hundreds of people who work at the Enterprise Park, who will benefit from an improved service.
“It’s bad that parts of Moray will lose their direct link to Inverness Airport, particularly because there’s going to be a railway station built there in the future.
“People can change at Nairn, but it’s certainly less attractive changing buses if you’ve got a lot of luggage.”
According to the proposals, number 10 buses heading to Inverness would not stop at the airport between 7.30am and 11pm and only after 9.30pm in the opposite direction from Mondays to Fridays.
The proposed railway station for Inverness Airport at Dalcross is expected to open in 2020.
Yesterday, Stagecoach insisted the changes, which could come into force on January 8 next year, are not final and could yet be shaped by public feedback.
The bus firm has already performed a u-turn by restoring services to Lesmurdie Road and Fraser Avenue in Elgin, bringing links to supermarkets and the train station.
The company’s operations manager for Moray, Craig Woodall, stressed it was important to “strike a balance” between the number of stops and journey time when compiling timetables.
He said: “If the buses stopped everywhere, then it would delay the services to such a point that nobody would want to use them.”
He added: “New buses are also being introduced on the number 10 service, which will allow us to use the vehicles on that route at the moment to replace older ones elsewhere.”
Stagecoach are holding further consultation events today at the bus stop on Tolbooth Street in Forres and tomorrow at the bus terminal in Nairn, both from 9am to noon.
Views can also be submitted by e-mail to nscotmarketing@stagecoachbus.com until Friday.
