Stagecoach Issues Apology for Perth Pupils Left Stranded in Freezing Temperatures
Perth-based bus company, Stagecoach East, has issued an apology following a series of incidents that left pupils from Perth High School in the Carse of Gowrie area stranded in sub-zero temperatures last week. The firm cited technical problems and a higher-than-expected level of staff absences as the cause of these disruptions, which resulted in pupils being late for school and facing delays on their journeys home.
Local councillor from Carse of Gowrie expressed outrage at the situation, deeming the repeated breakdowns of school buses as “completely unacceptable”. The incidents included a bus malfunction in St Madoes, leaving children waiting for a replacement for 45 minutes, as well as significant delays on Friday, with buses running approximately 40 minutes late. Perth and Kinross Council engaged with Stagecoach East to address the issues, highlighting that late or cancelled services incur penalties for the operators.
Stagecoach East emphasized that passenger safety and comfort are their top priorities and acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly due to staff sickness and adverse weather conditions impacting their fleet’s reliability. Despite the setbacks, the company assured that they dispatch substitute vehicles promptly when necessary and have measures in place to mitigate the effects of cold temperatures on their operations.
Perth and Kinross Council confirmed that improvements are underway in collaboration with Stagecoach to better handle breakdowns in the future. The council stressed the importance of reliable school transport services for students and their families. Carse of Gowrie ward councillors have received numerous complaints from parents regarding the ongoing issues with school transport to Perth High School, urging for more consistent and dependable services.
In conclusion, the disruptions experienced by Perth High School pupils in the Carse of Gowrie area have raised concerns about the reliability of school transport services. While Stagecoach has issued an apology and committed to addressing the underlying issues, there remains a pressing need for improved communication, contingency plans, and operational reliability to ensure the seamless transportation of students to and from school.