Sudden stop for bus services 31/1/14
Some crucial bus services in Harris have suddenly ceased running leaving affected
districts without adequate public transport links .
Without warning, two minibuses operating on between Tarbert and Scalpay as well as
to Rhenigadale were taken off the road today.
There will be no buses for Scalpay until Monday and a full service will not be restored
for a number of days. There will be no 6.35pm Scalpay bus until further notice.
Rhenigadale will not have public transport for the best part of a week until Western
Isles Council can get a temporary service in place. However, pupils will get transport
to school.
Operator Billy Morrison has given up the Western Isles Council contract.
Sources said the problem arose following alleged concerns with two minibuses. Mr
Morrison disputes there were problems over the condition of the vehicles.
Issues with both vehicles arose during separate examinations conducted by Vehicle
and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) this week, including one test today (Fri). It
is unclear if the council requested the test.
Mr Morrison said the strict two days grace he was given to rectify the faults was
“too restrictive” and he decided to take them off the road.
Mr Morrison pointed out:: “Vosa found only one fault in each of the minibuses.”
He added: “They weren’t major faults but Vosa didn’t give me the time to try and
get this turned around.”
Mr Morrison said: “We actually contacted the council on Thursday and told them I
would be withdrawing from the contracts.”
“Vosa put me in a position that I didn’t think I could carry on - my hands were tied.”
Mr Morrison said he decided it was not feasible for him to continue the bus service
as relocated from Tarbert to Inverness about a year ago.