Bus blow as company ‘reviews’ services

BUS services and jobs could be in jeopardy across the region after a dispute between Stagecoach and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

It has emerged that Stagecoach West Scotland (SWS) have been unable to agree to new contracts with the local authority.

And the firm says it’s now reviewing it’s position locally.

Explaining more, a SWS spokesperson yesterday said: “The majority of the bus services Stagecoach operates in Dumfries and Galloway are under a contract arrangement with SWestrans which are due to expire in August 2025.

“Dumfries and Galloway Council have managed a tender process on behalf of SWestrans, which we have participated in.

“As part of our due diligence reviewing the terms of the contracts being tendered, we have identified a liability clause that is far in excess of the value of the contracts on offer. Stagecoach is unfortunately unable to agree to a contract on these disproportionate terms, and we have now notified the council.

“It is our understanding that our bids will not be recommended for award.”

They added: “We are now reviewing the impact of this on our local network of services and the significant number of staff we employ in the region at our Dumfries and Stranraer depots.

“Stagecoach West Scotland remains committed to keeping people in the community connected while we identify the impact of the tender process. We will provide an update on this when it is appropriate.”

But the company’s position has been criticised by South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth, who called on them to reconsider.

He has been contacted by workers, who claim Stagecoach is preparing to step back from all school transport and council-subsidised routes across the region — and close both its Dumfries and Stranraer depots. Mr Smyth believes up to 130 jobs are at risk, including over 100 drivers as well as engineers, cleaners, admin staff, and depot managers.

He said: “The threat by Stagecoach is devastating news for their loyal workforce and my thoughts are first and foremost with them.

“Having squeezed out competition over the years, Stagecoach know that if they go ahead with this move it will decimate bus services in our region, cutting off the most vulnerable and leaving pupils unable to get to school.

“It really is the height of irresponsibility by the company.

“I would appeal to them even at this stage to reconsider their threat. In the meantime, I have already raised the issue with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and will be urging the Scottish Government and council to work round the clock to put in place alternative provision to what are lifeline services for communities across Dumfries and Galloway.”

Meanwhile, the local authority were reluctant to shed much light on the situation, with a spokesperson saying: “In partnership with SWestrans, Dumfries and Galloway Council is currently working through a live tender process to re-procure bus operators.

“The evaluation, clarification and negotiations relating to tenders received from bus operators is ongoing and is a confidential process. With this in mind, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

“We continue to work through a tender process that has supporting and connecting the communities of Dumfries and Galloway firmly at its heart.”