X99 Inverness–Thurso Explained
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, with at least one service per day extending to Scrabster to meet the ferry to Stromness.[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 Plaxton interdeck 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.
In 2020, the buses were replaced with Volvo B13 coaches.[7]
Competing services
In September 2019, Aaron's of Wick introduced a competing service which ran once per day. In response, Stagecoach introduced its low cost Megabus brand to Caithness, offering heavily discounted fares on the X99 service. This resulted in poor passenger figures for the new rival service which was withdrawn the following year. Stagecoach then withdrew the Megabus brand.[8] [9]
References
- Web site: 2011-07-31. New X99 buses unveiled in Thurso by Stagecoach. live. 2021-07-08. John O' Groat Journal. en. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190542/https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/new-x99-buses-unveiled-in-thurso-by-stagecoach-129144/.
- Web site: McKenzie. Jamie. 2016-12-01. People power forces Stagecoach to rethink axing lifeline service. live. 2021-07-08. Press and Journal. en-US. 2021-04-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20210421131533/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1100621/people-power-forces-stagecoach-to-rethink-axing-lifeline-service/.
- Web site: Dixon. Andrew. 2019-06-19. Stagecoach launches bus timetable consultation. live. 2021-07-08. Inverness Courier. en. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185832/https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/stagecoach-launches-bus-timetable-consultation-179396/.
- News: 2020-07-02. Stagecoach Highlands welcomes new-look vehicles. en-GB. Caithness Chamber of Commerce. 2021-07-08. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190512/https://www.caithnesschamber.com/2020/07/02/stagecoach-highlands-welcomes-new-look-vehicles/. live.
- Web site: 2018-12-19. Stagecoach defends new batch of buses on daily route between Caithness and Inverness. live. 2021-07-08. Press and Journal. en-US. 2021-07-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20210708224946/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1635284/stagecoach-defends-new-batch-of-buses-on-daily-route-between-caithness-and-inverness/.
- Web site: 2019-07-03. X99 bus passengers have to pay 50p for toilet stop. live. 2021-07-08. John O' Groat Journal. en. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184730/https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/x99-bus-passengers-have-to-pay-50p-for-toilet-stop-179939/.
- Web site: 2020-07-03. Buses on Caithness to Inverness X99 route replaced following criticism. live. 2021-07-08. John O' Groat Journal. en. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184749/https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/buses-on-caithness-to-inverness-x99-route-replaced-following-criticism-204716/.
- Web site: Dougall. Emily. 2020-02-18. Aarons Caithness service to end due to low usage. 2021-07-08. CBW. en-GB. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190938/https://cbwmagazine.com/aarons-caithness-service-to-end-due-to-low-usage/. live.
- Web site: Scott. David G. 2020-02-07. End of the road for A9 bus service linking Inverness and Caithness. live. 2021-07-08. Inverness Courier. en. 2021-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190849/https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/end-of-the-road-for-a9-bus-service-linking-inverness-and-caithness-191068/.
