Stagecoach Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Stagecoach criticized over bus mask and distancing measures
Public backlash
Councillor Allan Bell criticized Stagecoach after reporting that schoolchildren without masks crowded onto a bus and that distancing measures were not being followed. Stagecoach director Steve Walker said masks were required unless passengers were medically exempt, but drivers could not legally enforce the rule, and described the seating restrictions and other precautions in place.
Company response
Clarification — Stagecoach
Face masks are still required on board unless medically exempt, however, the driver is legally unable to enforce this.
Source excerpt
In response to the concerns, Stagecoach director Steve Walker said all forward facing seats on buses were made available in busier periods in line with Government guidelines.
I got onto a bus today from Hemlington. “There must have been 20 or 25 children who got on the bus, who were standing at the front and couldn’t get seats. “They didn’t have masks on.”
Cllr Bell claimed the bus firm, Stagecoach, seemed to have “done away” with measures.
2021
EY fined over Stagecoach audit failings
Fine or penalty
The UK Financial Reporting Council fined EY more than £2.2 million for failing to properly challenge Stagecoach’s bosses when auditing the transport group’s 2017 accounts. The regulator said the audit shortcomings were not intentional, dishonest, deliberate or reckless.
Source excerpt
EY has been fined more than £2.2m by the UK accountancy watchdog for failing to properly challenge Stagecoach bosses when auditing their accounts for 2017.
Professional services firm EY has been fined £2.2m by the UK's accounting watchdog for failings in its audit of bus company Stagecoach.
2019
Rail-bid disqualification
The Department for Transport excluded Stagecoach from three rail-franchise competitions after determining that submitted bids were non-compliant.
2000
Manchester competitor-service allegations
Stagecoach Manchester was found to have employed inspectors who directed passengers away from competing services.
1990
Darlington competitive conduct criticism
The Monopolies and Mergers Commission criticised tactics involving driver recruitment incentives and free or low-fare services intended to weaken a rival in Darlington, describing the conduct as against the public interest.