Services fear with shake-up on buses

STAGECOACH has revealed a major shake-up of its bus services across Perth and Kinross.

The group is asking for customer feedback in response to its proposed new timetable – but has said that some people may be left “disappointed”.

Stagecoach said: “In recent years we have been impacted by significantly reduced passenger numbers post-pandemic, with several passenger groups not returning to previous travel habits.

“Bus use remains 21% below pre-pandemic levels in this area and with increased operating costs and our continued investment in new, greener vehicles, changes to our services are required to ensure we remain sustainable and continue to provide a reliable service.

“Whilst we’ve concentrated on serving the busiest routes and journeys, we know these proposals may cause disappointment within some communities.”

Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey said the announcement could lead to the loss of rural services.

He said: “In the Carse, it means that places like Invergowrie, Inchture and Errol will be left with no services through the daytime at all.

“This is devastating news and will, sadly, result in a lot of folk having no other option but to buy a car or move house.”

He added: “We can fight this, though, and hopefully Stagecoach will find a way to keep on some level of service to our rural villages or maybe another operator will step in.

“For my part, the Labour amendment in Perth and Kinross Council’s budget meeting on Wednesday will again feature plans to build a case for better models of bus operation that put people before profit.

“Hopefully on the second year of bringing those forward, other councillors will now come around and vote for them in appreciation of the true urgency of change in the local bus market.

“Otherwise we’re consigning our entire rural communities to car usage forever.”