Around 30 jobs are at risk at Stagecoach as the last conductors outside London have been forced off buses in Tayside.
The 73 route, between Arbroath and Dundee, was one of the few remaining services to have ‘clippies’ selling tickets to passengers.
However, the company has said “difficult but unavoidable decisions” have been made in response to the coronavirus crisis.
A spokeswoman for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We know our conductors on the 73 route have been a well-loved part of our community and a proud part of our history.
“However, as is the case with many organisations, we are taking very difficult but unavoidable decisions to manage the impact of Covid-19.
“At the same time, we are continuing to ensure the safety of our people and customers and running the bus service our communities need.
“Following a review of our operations, we have made the decision not to re-introduce the conductor role on our 73 route.
“This will have no impact on the operation of our bus services, and customers will still be able to buy their tickets as normal from the driver, or in advance via our website or app.”
The Unite union said 31 workers are at risk of redundancy.
By Susan Nicholson
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