X99 Inverness–Thurso

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An X99 bus in 2013

The X99 is an express bus service operated by Stagecoach Highlands. It is the fastest public transport connection between Inverness and Caithness.[1] The route runs from Inverness to Thurso via Wick, Helmsdale, Brora, Golspie, and Dornoch.[2]

History[]

In 2019, the timetable was revised to introduce a comfort break at Dornoch.[3]

During the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, passenger numbers fell by over 80%.[4]

Controversy[]

New coaches, introduced in 2018, were criticised for alleged accessibility issues. Only three seats and space for one wheelchair user was provided at ground level, with all other passengers having to climb a set of stairs to reach their seat.[5] The coaches were also criticised due to the toilet only being accessible via a steep staircase.[6] In response, Stagecoach stated that the coaches met Disability Discrimination Act standards. The company stated that introducing the new coaches allowed them to increase the capacity of the service.[5]

In 2020, the buses were replaced with Volvo B13 coaches.[7]

Competing services[]

In September 2019, Wick-based coach operator Aarons introduced a competing service which ran once per day. However, the service was unsuccessful, and was withdrawn the following year.[8][9]

References[]

  1. ^ "New X99 buses unveiled in Thurso by Stagecoach". John O' Groat Journal. 2011-07-31. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  2. ^ McKenzie, Jamie (2016-12-01). "People power forces Stagecoach to rethink axing lifeline service". Press and Journal. Archived from the original on 2021-04-21. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  3. ^ Dixon, Andrew (2019-06-19). "Stagecoach launches bus timetable consultation". Inverness Courier. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  4. ^ "Stagecoach Highlands welcomes new-look vehicles". Caithness Chamber of Commerce. 2020-07-02. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  5. ^ a b "Stagecoach defends new batch of buses on daily route between Caithness and Inverness". Press and Journal. 2018-12-19. Archived from the original on 2021-07-08. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  6. ^ "X99 bus passengers have to pay 50p for toilet stop". John O' Groat Journal. 2019-07-03. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  7. ^ "Buses on Caithness to Inverness X99 route replaced following criticism". John O' Groat Journal. 2020-07-03. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  8. ^ Dougall, Emily (2020-02-18). "Aarons Caithness service to end due to low usage". CBW. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
  9. ^ Scott, David G (2020-02-07). "End of the road for A9 bus service linking Inverness and Caithness". Inverness Courier. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-08.
Retrieved from ""