Passengers can stay on the buses longer
Pilotschemeextended
Three new rural bus routes that have operated under a pilot scheme are to be extended until the summer.
The C12A evening bus between Balfron and Stirling on Fridays and Saturdays, C59 late-night Stirling to Callander services on Fridays and Saturdays and S60 Tyndrum to Stirling services were introduced in December for trial periods until March 31.
Now Stirling Council bosses have opted to extend the pilot scheme until August 18.
Trossachs and Teith SNP councillor, Evelyn Tweed welcomed the move.
She said: “Residents across our communities made their views clear in terms of what type of bus service was needed.
“The council has responded by introducing a trial service and I’m delighted that these services will continue into the summer.
“I would encourage residents to use and support these services where possible.
“I’m working with council officials and others to secure a viable future for rural bus services – assessing where possible extensions can be made – and the best way to do this is to put bums on seats and make the most of the services that are offered.”
Conservative councillors also welcomed the news but say that the initial pilot scheme should have been over a longer period.
Forth and Endrick Tory representative Alistair Berrill commented: “I’m pleased that common sense has prevailed and the trial period is being extended. The original period was far too short to gauge properly the demand for these services.
“We have been saying that they should be increased to a full year as that would provide a meaningful assessment.
“There must be enough time for everyone to be aware of the new services and have a chance to use them.”