The “amfibus”, seen here testing the water between Renfrew and Yoker on the River Clyde, developed a minor technical glitch after its second crossing – forcing the trial to be suspended while the vehicle was repaired.

“The driver noticed an issue with the suspension,” said a Stagecoach spokesman. “An air-bag became disengaged.” He stressed that the air-bag was “not a buoyancy aid”.

Stagecoach is testing the Dutch-built £700,000 amfibus as a possible replacement for passengers who face the loss of the existing ferry service between Renfrew and Yoker from the end of March.

While such buses are already in use for tourist “splash” tours, Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter said the proposed service would be a “Scottish and UK first” – the first amfibus commuter service.

“It is a great example of the potential for new transport links using the country’s rivers and estuaries,” he said.

The bus, which can carry 50 passengers, is based on a Volvo bus chassis that incorporates a hull, so allowing the vehicle to float. It can travel at 8 knots in the water and has a maximum road speed of 60mph.

The spokesman said trials of the bus would resume on Tuesday.

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