STAGECOACH have announced that they will be sending a 'small number' of drivers down to cover the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. 

The Commonwealth Games is set to begin on July 28 and will run until August 8, with the opening ceremony scheduled for the Alexander Stadium tonight (July 28). 

But the move has been questioned, given daily service reductions that have been in place for the bus provider in recent weeks.  

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A 'shortage of drivers' was the explanation given at the time as a result of the service reductions last week, with the bus company indicating that they are taking pro-active steps to help address the current problem.

As of last week, Stagecoach operated on a temporary daily service with reductions planned for Carlisle's 61 and 67 bus service, which at the time was forecasted to last until the end of the week (July 22).

Last week, a spokesperson from Stagecoach said: "As with many industries across the country, we are continuing to face a short-term staffing situation that is out of our control due to the shortage of professional drivers.

"As a result, this is having an impact on our bus services in Carlisle." 

 

This week, passengers can expect a reduced service on the 599 Bowness-Grasmere from July 25 to July 30, alongside certain journeys being temporarily axed for the time being. 

A spokesperson from Stagecoach has said the commitment of drivers to the Commonwealth ceremony has had very little impact on operations in Cumbria. 

"We have a small number of employees from the Cumbria area delivering bus services for a major international sporting event in the West Midlands later this month and extensive planning has taken place to ensure that this has the minimal impact on our regional bus services," they said. 

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