Axing ‘lifeline’ bus still possible as rural service struggle goes on
Withdrawal to be considered by councillors
There is uncertainty over a “lifeline” Stirlingshire rural bus route as councillors face the potential of axing the service.
The C60 bus has been operated by Callander-based Kingshouse Travel for 28 years and had previous run six services a day on the Callander-killin route, which also takes stop-offs in communities such as Strathyre, Lochearnhead and Lix Toll.
However, the operator informed Stirling Council last year of its intention to withdraw from its contract at the end of March 2024 due to difficulty in recruiting drivers to work on the A84 route.
Since then, the council has been working to find a solution to continue service on the rural route - including putting the route up for tender offers in September and then again in January.
The January process did lead to one bidder, but council chiefs assessed that offer as “significantly over budget” and proposing a reduced service.
A report is now set to go before councillors outlining various options going forward, with those proposals including the council operating its own service on the route - or the withdrawal of the service entirely.
Cllr Jen Preston, convener of the environment, transport and net zero committee, said: “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find a cost- efficient alternative operation for the service, following the withdrawal of Kingshouse Travel.
“Although we do not have a statutory obligation to provide a service, we acknowledge the importance of the C60 bus route to our communities along the A84.
“I would like to apologise to people who have relied on the C60 service from Kingshouse and now face a break in the operation of the service.
“We have explored all options to keep the route going because we know people rely on it for traveling to and from work, for leisure and other appointments.
“We will continue our dialogue and engagement with communities affected and users of the C60 service in the weeks ahead as we explore options for the way forward.”
Killin villager Louise Campbell is one of around ten people involved in a ‘Keep The Bus’ campaign group fighting to convince decision-makers of the need to retain the C60.
The group met earlier this to discuss a way forward - with losing the bus considered a massive blow for the village in the wake of previous cuts.
Louise told the Observer: “This service is vital to the sustainability of Killin and surrounding villages, it is imperative that the full service is reinstated as soon as possible and does not end up being forgotten as so many other things in this village.
“We have already lost the Killin nursery 0-2 year old service and Crianlarich Nursery which has seen people move from the village, so if we lose this bus service which is a lifeline for so many, the negative affect will be more than damaging.
“No access for many to employment, college, school clubs, NHS appointments, social events, family etc will have an impact on the sustainability of the village and people choosing to move to the area.
“It is a lifeline for many to get out and about as this is the only transport they have and it will have a huge impact on mental health across all ages, especially high school/college age and older adults.
“What is the point in free bus travel if there is no bus to use?”
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl has vowed to fight the villagers’ corner in an effort to retain the rural service and has called for the issue to be discussed at a full council meeting in May.
Cllr Earl said: “I do not accept that not running any service is a serious option to be considered – there must be a service and this is an opportunity for the council to operate one directly themselves as they have power under legislation.
“We need the council to act quickly and decisively to get a service back up and running – it may not be statutory but it is vital.
“A bus service underpins so many of all the other priorities the council goes on about and we are all aware of that not having one is not acceptable.”
It is imperative that the full service is reinstated as soon as possible and does not end up forgotten