F A Q

Where can I find timetable information/why does your site not contain full timetables for all Scottish Buses?
This site is predominantly aimed at bus enthusiasts. Therefore, pictures of buses and details about them are what is more relevant. There are hundreds of different bus routes across Scotland, and all of them can change at just 10 weeks (70 days) notice. Therefore, keeping every one up to date is a physical impossibility!

However, I have compiled a Travel Information page (click on the link above) with some basic travel information. If you cannot obtain the information you need here, check the selection of Links on this page. If a bus operator has a timetable on their website, this is where you can find all the links. If not, you can email the operator for information.

If none of this is a help to you, then try calling Traveline Scotland on 0870 608 2 608. This is a special "national call rate" phone number that can give you details of all bus services in Scotland. Call between 0800 & 2000, UK time. (From abroad call +44 870 608 2 608. Calls to this number may be restricted from abroad, in which case contact your operator). They have a website - http://www.travelinescotland.com - which can be used for journey planning.

My bus turned up late this morning/did not run/what are you going to do about it?
Unfortunately, I do not run the buses! Please have a look in the "links" section for the relevant website. If no joy there, find a contact number on your timetable or ticket. Alternatively, call Traveline Scotland on 0870 608 2 608. Although they cannot deal with complaints, they can point you in the right direction.

However, please do not take it out on the driver the following day - chances are that it was a different driver, and/or it was something not down to his control, i.e. breakdown, congestion, road traffic accidents, security alerts, freak weather etc. Bus company staff are human, like u & me, and are purely doing their job. As a former transport worker myself, I do know things can go wrong - especially when transport staff are trying to get to & from work, something happens while you are commuting in uniform! (Did I ever tell you about....................)

Where can I hire a bus when I come to Scotland?
If you are looking for a small bus you can drive yourself on a car licence, it must be no bigger than 16 seats. Car/van rentals such as Practical, Enterprise, and the like can often rent you one of these.

If you are looking for a proper bus or coach, with driver, there are literally lots of companies to choose from! It mainly depends where about in Scotland you will be starting. Have a look on my "Links" page, and browse under the "Coach Hire" section, Websites there will give you contact details, and allow you to look for a suitable coach company.

Enjoy your trip!

Where can I find financial information on the bus companies you mention?
Information on Limited and PLC companies can be obtained through Companies House. They now have an online website at http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk where you can now buy online documents such as accounts etc.

Where can I obtain a senior citizen/disabled/blind bus pass?
Contact your local council's Transport Unit. They will be able to advise you how to go about your application. Please note these passes are issued to permanent residents only.

I want to see some of the sights of Scotland, what buses can you recommend?
It really depends what you want to see. Some of the more spectacular scenery, and more interesting visitor attractions, can be found in the Tayside/Fife area (where I grew up!) The Scottish Tourist Board can offer full details of the visitor attractions available (see the "Links" page), however in some cases the buses are an attraction in their own right.

Open top bus tours operate year-round in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as in the summer in Inverness, Perth, Stirling. These can show you some of the sights in these towns.

The bus companies do not respond to my complaints! How can I find the ombudsman?
If you have already complained to the bus operator, and feel you have got nowhere, you can escalate your complaint. Note this paragraph refers to bus services operating within Scotland only.

The Bus Complaints Tribunal deals with issues such as buses not turning up, running late, poor timekeeping etc. They have the power to request the bus company to pay reasonable costs if you have had to shell out - for example, if you had to get a train or taxi because the bus did not pick you up. However, this avenue can only be used for complaints where the company have not been able to resolve the issue. They can be contacted at PO Box 23556, Edinburgh, EH3 9YS, or call them on 0131 228 5478. There is also a website, to which I will add a link here soon.

Traffic Commissioners are employed by the government department VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) which controls the law on service provision and vehicle condition. They do have ultimate responsibility for services, but may be unlikely to get you a personal resolution - however all such complaints are logged. Should you feel the need to contact the traffic commissioner for Scotland, she (or her staff) can be contacted at J Floor, Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9SE.

If the service is operated with financial support from a local authority, you can contact the council or passenger transport authority for your area. A message in the timetable should indicate subsidised journeys.

Who/what is ScotBus.com?
ScotBus.com is complied and presented to you by Suzy Scott.

ScotBus.com is a website for bus enthusiasts, a place to show my photos, exchange links, point people in the right directions, and a few specialist pages - such as the "techpark" section of bus information to/from Dundee Technology Park.

Site by ScotBus (Suzy Scott) 1997 - 2004.