Bus links to Inverness Airport have been greatly enhanced with the doubling of the frequency of runs from Inverness and the introduction of a new service from Elgin.

HITRANS, the strategic transport authority for the Highlands and Islands, has purchased a new VDL Wright SB200 Commander bus for the service from Queensgate, Inverness, to the airport.  This bus, which cost £105,000, seats 44 passengers and will be operated by Rapson's Coaches, who are to increase the frequency of their existing service to the airport from a 90-minute frequency to a bus every 40 minutes with the use of the second bus.

The Snowflake flight to Stockholm will also have a dedicated bus to/from Inverness to serve its departure/arrival on Monday and Friday.  This bus will wait in the event of service disruption.  The partnership with Rapson's Coaches also guarantees an extended Sunday operation of the airport service from April to October with four return journeys operated.

HITRANS has also provided a high quality bus shelter at the airport with a stainless steel framework and toughened glass panels.  This shelter has been provided at a cost of £8,000.

Managing Director of Rapsons, John Lornie, said: "We are delighted to be working with HITRANS to offer such a significant improvement to the airport service. The frequency of return journeys is doubling, to around every 40 minutes. HITRANS will retain ownership of the new vehicle, while Rapsons will take care of all the maintenance, fuel, driving and insurance costs. It is an excellent example of how the public and private sectors can join forces to strengthen transport links in the Highlands."

Stagecoach has also launched a new service linking Inverness Airport with Elgin.  This service operates two return journeys on Monday to Friday.   The service stops at Elgin, Alves, Forres, Brodie, Nairn, Ardersier, Inverness Airport, Balloch and Inverness Bus Station.  This service began on Monday 5 April and Stagecoach is encouraged by the level of interest already shown in the service.

Councillor Charlie King, Chairman of HITRANS, said: "We are delighted with the enhancement of bus services to the airport and the introduction of the Elgin service. This is a major improvement to the service provided to the public and recognises the importance we attach to further developing public transport in our area."

HITRANS is supporting the airport services with funds received from the Scottish Executive to promote the improvement and integration of public transport. It received £1.4 million in 2003-4 and this sum has been matched for 2004-2005.

James Walton, Inverness Airport Manager, said: "The improvements to public transport bus services to and from the airport will be greatly welcomed by our passengers. We are grateful to HITRANS for making considerable investment to bring these into place and I am sure they will prove very successful at a time of significant growth in air services and passenger numbers at Inverness."

HITRANS has printed 25,000 copies of a timetable leaflet with full service information for both the Stagecoach service from Elgin to the airport and the Rapson's Coaches service from Inverness.  Copies of these timetables are available from both bus companies or at Inverness and Elgin Bus Station.

ENDS