Inverness Bus Gate Thirteen Years Late and £850k Cost Still Faces Issues

A new bus gate links Inverness city center to its eastern side. This project took thirteen years and cost £850,000. It faced much controversy, and problems continue a year after opening.

The bus gate connects Raigmore Hospital to the Raigmore area. It should improve bus travel in the city, but the system often fails. Community leaders and residents want action now. Emergency vehicles can also use it.

NHS Highland controls the bus link. The barrier prevents motorists using the hospital grounds. It was a planning condition for a new treatment center, a requirement dating back to 2011.

Original plans faced objections from residents nearby. They worried about more buses and tree removal. Revised plans were agreed, and the gate finally opened in March 2024.

Technical issues began within days of its debut. Local say these issues still exist. The barrier often does not work, causing buses to reverse and take a longer route.

Munro Ross says the bus angle seems to cause problems. The system uses automatic vehicle recognition. Buses reverse and use Old Perth Road when it fails, adding up to twenty minutes to journeys.

Ross stated that mechanical fixes were often slow. He wants a meeting with all involved parties. Denise Stewart-Thomson campaigned against the original plans.

She sees buses going the wrong way or reversing, evidence that the barrier is not working. The project hasn’t been worth the trouble, she said, and suggests keeping the barrier open.

She thinks cameras and signs would stop cut-through traffic. Isabelle MacKenzie finds the ongoing problems disappointing and will meet Highland Council’s travel officer.

MacKenzie is concerned about ambulance delays. The gate should provide a fast route for ambulances, but operational issues persist, especially with the gate’s mechanics. NHS Highland now handles this.

MacKenzie wants stakeholders to collaborate. This includes Highland Council, NHS Highland, and Stagecoach. Together, they can improve the bus gate system.

NHS Highland stated the gate had initial problems. They worked with contractors to fix them quickly and protected it from vandalism, but repairs can take time to complete.

NHS Highland said they would keep working with partners. Goal: ensure smooth operation of the bus gate. Stagecoach North Scotland is working with all parties and aims to resolve any issues fast. Highland Council defers to NHS Highland for comment.