I have had an update on the Newtonhill/Portlethen Academy school bus saga from council officers in the public transport unit. Problems have included buses not having the correct service number on display, punctuality, and pupils being left behind.

Officers tell me that they had a meeting with Stagecoach management regarding the ongoing issues.

“It has been agreed that the destination screens of the vehicles will show Portlethen Academy on the top line of the screen with the relevant contract number (SS865A/B/G) on the bottom line of the screen. The service number will be depicted as either 70A, 70B or 70G. The side destination screen will show Portlethen Academy and the relevant service number whilst an A4 poster attached to the nearside window beside the entrance door will display the relevant contract number. I have confirmation that the destination screen software has been amended to take this into consideration and the data is being downloaded to all vehicles.

“Whilst the pupils are expected to board the correct bus at the correct stop, it is difficult to enforce this as I have personally observed pupils going to the shop to buy their snacks/juice etc and then boarding all 3 buses at the first stop at Skateraw Road. With this in mind, all 3 buses will serve all bus stops and whilst every effort will be made to ensure that the pupils board the correct bus, no pupil will be refused entry unless it causes a capacity issue but with all 3 buses leaving each stop at the same time, no pupil should be left behind. Numbers of pupils boarding the incorrect bus will be reported directly to me.

“Regarding the issue of late buses, the appropriate action has been taken in accordance with the Council’s Contract Performance Management System.

“I have been given an assurance that communication between Stagecoach, the school and the PTU will be improved upon and that the situation will be very closely monitored by both Stagecoach and the PTU.”

I do hope that everything gets sorted out!