Rural bus service saved after fears it would be terminated

Concerns about the impact the loss of a rural bus service would have on residents has led to a route being saved.

Stirling Council acted on feedback from communities in Killin and Callander after it was suggested the C60 bus service could cease operation on Saturday December 30.

As a result, the local authority has secured the future of the rural bus service between the two villages until March 2019.

Operators of the C60 bus service, Kingshouse Travel Ltd, had given notice to terminate their contract due to an anticipated shortage of PSV-qualified drivers.

Stirling Council hosted community engagement sessions in areas covered by the bus service to identify the preferred way forward as to how any future service should be delivered. These were held in Killin and Lochearnhead.

The local authority entered into negotiations with Kingshouse Travel Ltd to prolong a timetabled service. Agreement has now been reached to extend the service until March 2019 as the company begins the process of arranging training for additional drivers.

Councillor Jim Thomson, convener of Stirling Council’s environment and housing committee, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to maintain the running of this service until 2019.

“The extension of the termination date will allow council officers to review options in the light of community feedback.

“This will allow us to plan out how the service can be delivered in the future.”

“Mr Thomson added: “This is a great example of the council listening and responding to feedback from local communities.”