More than 100 Stagecoach staff face an uncertain future after the bus operator confirmed it will close its depots in Dumfries and Stranraer this summer, following a breakdown in contract negotiations with Dumfries and Galloway Council and the regional transport partnership SWestrans.
The closures, effective from 6 August, come as Stagecoach withdraws almost all of its bus services across Dumfries and Galloway, citing that routes are “no longer commercially viable” under the terms offered in a recent tender process. The company said a liability clause in the new contracts was “far in excess of the value of the contracts,” making continued operation impossible.
“We’re unfortunately unable to agree to a contract on these disproportionate terms,” Stagecoach stated. “We’ve been working with the council and SWestrans to find a solution to the procurement ask, but unfortunately the liability levels required by the council have made this impossible. As a result, our tender submissions have been disqualified as non-compliant.”
The closures will impact a workforce of over 100, including drivers, engineers, cleaners, admin staff, and depot managers. Unite the Union, which represents many of the affected employees, described the situation as a “deeply unsettling time” and pledged to “fight tooth and nail” to secure the best possible outcomes for its members. The union is currently in a 45-day consultation with Stagecoach, seeking “urgent clarification” about the future of its members and whether staff could transfer to other operators or Stagecoach locations.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth called the move “devastating news for the workforce,” adding: “Stagecoach’s possible exit would be a hammer blow to public transport in our region and utterly decimate local bus services. Having squeezed out competition over the years, Stagecoach know full well this would leave many communities cut off and pupils unable to get to school after the summer. To abandon local jobs and lifeline services while clinging onto the profitable routes from afar would be the height of corporate irresponsibility. I urge Stagecoach to think again.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council has said most bus services will be maintained by other operators through a new tendering process, but has yet to confirm whether all affected routes will be covered. The council described negotiations as “ongoing and confidential” and is expected to provide a comprehensive update soon.
Notice of deregistration of all routes in Dumfries and Galloway has been sent – with the exception of the X74, 79 and 358/360 – and the last day of operation will be 6 August.
From 7 August, the X74 service will be operated by Stagecoach’s Cumbernauld depot, the 79 service will continue to operate from the Carlisle depot and the 358/360 – which is operated under contract from SPT – will run from Ayr.
Stagecoach will continue to operate only two services in the region, including the X74 route to Glasgow, with the remainder of its operations to be withdrawn.
