Bus group’s value to economy
A Perth-based transport giant has said it has supported almost £200 million a year in value to Scotland’s economy.
Research carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research found Stagecoach’s contribution across the country was £1.63 billion in gross valued added, with £198m of the overall contribution in Scotland.
After being founded in the city in 1980, Stagecoach runs bus and coach services across the Highlands and Islands and major towns and cities including Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
It carries over 70 million passengers every year in Scotland, employing around 3200 people running over 1200 buses and coaches.
Martin Griffiths, chief executive of Stagecoach, said: “We’re proud to have kept Scotland connected for the past 40 years.
“This new report shows the huge positive impact of our transport services to the economy and our communities right across the country.
“As regions across the country face up to the challenges of congested roads, declining air quality, ill health and pressure on our high streets, it is vital that local authorities maximise the power of the bus to deliver safer, healthier and more prosperous places for people to live.”
And Cristian Niculescu-Marcu, director of analysis and head of microeconomics at Cebr, added: “Stagecoach makes a substantial economic and social contribution to the UK economy, supporting one in every 1000 jobs and underpinning regional communities across the country.
“As well as its direct impact, Stagecoach’s transport services help reduce congestion, lower physical inactivity, and cut road traffic accidents.
“The company also plays a major role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions at a time when there is greater focus than every before on measures to address the climate emergency.”