Missing passengers
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A WEST Ross bus operator has started a new service between Ullapool and Lochinver in response to public demand.
But there was not one passenger waiting for Donald Mackenzie when he made his first run last week.
Mr Mackenzie, of West Terrace, Ullapool, was not too downhearted, however. He said: "It did not go very well the first day because I did not have enough time to make the necessary preparations and to advertise the services."
"But the Traffic Commissioners had granted the licence to run from Saturday and I had to start then." "I covered the route, but there were no passengers because the public didn't know about the service. I did not have a chance to put notices in the local tourist offices. I think things will pick up once people get to know about it."
Mr Mackenzie, a school bus driver, said: "I used to run excursions from Lochinver and Ullapool and Inverness, but have given that up to get this new licence, which I thought would be more beneficial to the people of Lochinver."
"It was they who approached me and asked if I could do something to help them. I use my 12-seater minibus for the journey, but if the demand was there I could put on a second mini-bus."
The service has been introduced as a six-month experiment with a subsidy of £550 from the Highland Region.
It leaves Lochinver at 7.40 am, arriving at Ullapool in time to connect with the 9 am Highland Omnibuses service to Inverness, which arrives there at 11.15am.
Regional director of transport Keith Macfarlane said: "If carryings are satisfactory — at least six passengers each way — the service will be extended to the end of the financial year."