Tayway

Strathtay Scottish were bought by Stagecoach Group in 2005,^[2] who continued to use the Tayway brand for their routes 72, 73/A/B/C, and 74/A/B/C between Ninewells Hospital^[a], Dundee City Centre, West End (Hawkhill), Broughty Ferry, Monifieth^[b], Carnoustie^[c], and Arbroath^[d]. The Tayway runs every 10 to 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, whilst running half-hourly on Sundays (without service 72 for this day only).^[3][4] The route was notable for being the only bus route in the UK (outside of London) to retain bus conductors,^[5] known locally as clippies. Conductors were found on most bus services in the area until the 1980s, when most buses became pay-on-entry, minimising the need for a second staff member on board. Conductors speed up journey times, minimising dwell time at bus stops en-route as the driver does not need to issue fares.^[6] However, conductor-operation on the route was stopped in March 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, and it was later announced that conductors would not return to the route.^[7]

In November 2014, Stagecoach announced a three-month trial of two New Routemaster buses. The trial was unsuccessful, with buses frequently breaking down, causing substantial delays.^[8]

The route is now operated with 16 diesel double-decker Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC buses built by Alexander Dennis in Falkirk. There are 16 brand new 2nd generation Alexander Dennis Enviro400EVs electric double deckers on the way for the Tayway services.