C60 service to keep running
A bus route which was in danger of being axed has been saved by the operator.
The C60 service, between Killin and Callander, was under threat after Kingshouse Travel tendered notice to terminate its contract with Stirling Council.
The Balquhidderbased firm notified the council on August 31 of its intention and the service was due to come to an end on December 30. The company blamed a shortage of drivers, made worse by upcoming staff retirements.
However, the firm has now taken on two new drivers and is to continue to operate the service.
The transport firm are in the process of putting the two new recruits through the relevant qualifications to obtain their Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence.
If both drivers can pass the PCV test then Kingshouse Travel will be able to continue operating the service – that also serves Lochearnhead and Strathyre – until March 2019, when their original contract with the council comes to an end.
Kingshouse Travel owner, Graeme Courtney said: “As a result of all of the publicity and public consultations we have been able to recruit extra drivers.
“Our two retiring drivers have been persuaded to stay on for a few extra months with the hope that our two new drivers have passed the relevant qualifications early in the new year.
“We didn’t realise how popular we were until we decided to chuck it. We are a part of the community and I have been swept up on a tide of enthusiasm. It’s good for rural jobs as well as the local economy.”
Trossachs and Teith councillor, Martin Earl, wants to see a commitment from the council to expand the current service.
He said: “The commitment of Kingshouse Travel to do their very best to try and run a service cannot be doubted and I wish the new trainee drivers well in their efforts to secure licences.
“I’m calling for the local authority to issue a very clear statement that will give everyone reassurance that whatever happens there will be a service and there is agreement that the service currently in place should be expanded.”