X99 Inverness–Thurso

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]

X99
Overview
Operator	Stagecoach Highlands
Status	Operating
Route
Start	Inverness Bus Station
Via	Dornoch, Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Wick
End	Thurso
Service
Frequency	3 buses per day (Monday - Friday) 2 buses per day (Saturday) 1 bus per day (Sunday)

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.^[5]

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 This resulted in poor passenger figures for the new rival service which was withdrawn the following year.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

1. "New X99 buses unveiled in Thurso by Stagecoach". John O' Groat Journal. 31 July 2011. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
2. McKenzie, Jamie (1 December 2016). "People power forces Stagecoach to rethink axing lifeline service". Press and Journal. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
3. Dixon, Andrew (19 June 2019). "Stagecoach launches bus timetable consultation". Inverness Courier. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
4. "Stagecoach Highlands welcomes new-look vehicles". Caithness Chamber of Commerce. 2 July 2020. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
5. "Stagecoach defends new batch of buses on daily route between Caithness and Inverness". Press and Journal. 19 December 2018. Archived from the original on 8 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
6. "X99 bus passengers have to pay 50p for toilet stop". John O' Groat Journal. 3 July 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
7. "Buses on Caithness to Inverness X99 route replaced following criticism". John O' Groat Journal. 3 July 2020. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
8. Dougall, Emily (18 February 2020). "Aarons Caithness service to end due to low usage". CBW. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
9. Scott, David G (7 February 2020). "End of the road for A9 bus service linking Inverness and Caithness". Inverness Courier. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.