The shortage of licensed drivers at Stagecoach continues this week, with more than 680 services cancelled as a result.

A delay in processing PCV licences for HGV drivers at the DVLA has been cited as the reason for the shortage.

Thousands of journeys in South Ayrshire and beyond have been cancelled in the last few weeks because of the issue. 

And Stagecaoch have announced a whole raft of cancellations to services between today (Monday) and Friday, September 17. A full list of the cancelled services is at the bottom of this article.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "Like many businesses across the country we are unfortunately experiencing the impacts of the global pandemic, including the DVLA delays in processing PCV licences which are required by bus drivers.

"This has had an effect on our operation and the phasing of people joining our business. 

"Regrettably this means we have had to make the difficult decision to remove some of our scheduled services from our more frequent timetables, however we are continuing to run the vast majority of our services as normal. 

"We are sorry for any inconvenience these changes cause to our customers, and we would encourage those who have access, to check our website, app and @StagecoachWScot on twitter for service updates.

"We have seen strong demand for jobs with us, including driving roles and we are working hard to recruit in the areas needed to run our operation and deliver services for our customers.

"Thank you for your patience at this time."

The DVLA have said that the delay is due to industrial action and physical distancing at their workplace, meaning less staff can be present. 

Others have blamed Brexit for a shortage of HGV drivers more generally, with the problem also hitting supermarkets and other businesses through a lack of delivery drivers.

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown said: “We are now beginning to see the consequences of Brexit unfold in our own communities, with the shortage of skilled drivers from the European Union.”

She added: “This is not an easy time for many businesses across Scotland, with the knock-on effects of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic apparent. Nowhere can it be seen more than in the sectors that require drivers.

"I was shocked and saddened to see the cuts to the bus services across Ayr, because of this shortage. I know over the last 18-months public transport has been a lifeline to many, for both work and leisure and I’m acutely aware how badly this will affect the community. 

“I am aware of the challenges facing Stagecoach in this current climate and that’s why I welcome Wednesday’s Scottish Government decision that up to £42 million in funding will be made available to support bus operators, to maintain services like the ones in Ayr.

"I have also reached out to bosses in Ayr to see if there are any ways in which I, as the local MSP can help or if the Scottish Government can. I want this issue to be resolved quickly to minimise the disruption.” 

From Monday, September 13 - Friday, September 17, the following scheduled departures will not operate:

Service 2 Ayr - Marchburn 

Departing Carrick Street
06:54, 07:24, 07:53, 08:35, 09:05, 09:50, 10:20, 11:05, 11:35, 12:20, 12:50, 13:35, 14:05, 14:50, 15:20, 16:05, 16:35, 17:20, 17:50, 18:35 

Departing Marchburn
07:22, 07:53, 08:22, 09:08, 09:38, 10:23, 10:53, 11:38, 12:08, 12:53, 13:23, 14:08, 14:38, 15:23, 15:53, 16:38, 17:08, 17:53, 18:18, 19:03 

Service 52 Ayr - Bellsbank

Departing Ayr
09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40 

Departing Bellsbank
10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40 

Services at 10 past the hour will extend to Dalrymple in both directions. 


Service 6 Ayr to Marchburn 

Departing Boswell Park 
06:50, 07:14, 07:47, 08:21, 08:51, 10:06, 11:21, 12:36, 13:21, 13:51, 14:36, 15:06, 15:51, 16:21, 17:06, 17:36 

Departing Marchburn
07:21, 07:45, 08:19, 08:58, 09:30, 10:45, 12:00, 13:15, 14:00, 14:30, 15:15, 15:45, 16:30, 17:00, 17:40, 18:10 

Additionally Service 6 from Boswell park will not operate on Monday 13th September at 09:36, 10:51, 12:06 or at 10:15, 11:30, 12:45 from Marchburn.

Service 3 Ayr to Kincaidston 

Boswell Park 

06:59, 15:06 

Kindcaidston

07:15, 08:00, 08:30, 09:15, 09:45, 10:30, 11:00, 11:45, 12:15, 13:00, 13:30, 14:15, 14:45, 15:30, 16:00, 16:45, 17:15, 18:00 

Dalmilling

07:49, 08:34, 09:04, 09:49, 10:19, 11:04, 11:34, 12:19, 12:49, 14:04, 13:34, 14:49, 15:19, 16:04, 16:34, 17:19, 17:49, 18:34

Additionally Service 3 from Burns Statue Square at 07:00am will not operate.

X77 Ayr to Glasgow 

Ayr Bus Station

07:25, 10:18, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40, 16:10

Buchanan Bus Station

9:15, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:30 
 

Additionally X77 services from Ayr to Burns Museum Alloway at 13:00, 13:23 service from Burns Museum to Ay or the 0657 and 1839 from Ayr to Doonfoot will not operate.

The X77 service at 17:20 from Glasgow to Ayr will be extended to Doonfoot from Monday 13th September until Friday 17th September.