Community bus is to enhance its service
A volunteer- led community bus service in Auchterarder has been enhanced.
As of Monday this week, the Auchterarder town bus service is operating four days a week – an increase from its previous two-day timetable.
The days of operation – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – were decided upon following a survey of users, together with feedback received from local community groups.
There will be no changes to the journeys operated each day or to the route of the bus.
The transport service is operated by local firm Docherty’s Midland Coaches and is overseen by members of Auchterarder Community Bus Group (ACBuG).
ACBuG chair Andrew Warrington commented: “ACBuG is very grateful for recent funding awards from Friends of St Margaret’s and Perth and Kinross Council’s Warm Welcome Fund that have enabled the extra days to be operated.”
He continued: “Trustees are pleased that regular passengers benefit from the four-day operation, but we are very keen to encourage new passengers.
“The town bus has seen significant growth in average daily usage over the last nine months and ACBuG now needs to maintain that positive position following the introduction of the improved timetable.”
ACBuG treasurer, Neil Anderson, went on to explain: “A fully updated timetable leaflet is being produced which will be available on the town bus and from several local outlets.
“The timetable will also be promoted via social media and on local websites.”
Linked to the improved Service 49 timetable, Neil went on to emphasise: “ACBuG continues to offer assistance and advice to people who are not too sure about using the town bus.
“ACBuG trustees are happy to accompany locals on their initial journeys on the town bus; all the person needs to do is telephone us on 07823 406159 or by sending an email to acbug2018@gmail.com.”
Holders of National Entitlement Cards, including young people under 22 years of age, can travel free of charge.
Other passengers are asked to pay £1.20 per trip.
The increase comes after Service 49 was reduced from a six day-a-week timetable to two in June this year following a review.