Bus changes will cut journey times

Villagers win their fight for direct links to Stirling

Two revamped bus routes between Stirling and rural communities are to be launched in the new year.

The C11 and C12 buses services will run on the redrawn routes from Monday, January 7.

The C11 runs from Aberfoyle via Cambusbarron to Stirling while the C12 bus service runs in the evening from Balfron via Kippen, Gargunnock and Cambusbarron to Stirling.

Both services are operated by First Midland Bluebird, subsidised by Stirling Council.

Feedback from rural communities revealed that there was a demand for the C11 route to be reviewed to provide a direct service to Forth Valley College and the city centre and a link to the community hospital from Cambusbarron.

Passengers also requested that the C12 be looked at to provide a direct service to Stirling.

Among the changes on the C11 will be a direct route for Aberfoyle passengers to Stirling, reducing the journey time by up to 17 minutes. The current number of journeys will be maintained from both Cambusbarron and Aberfoyle. The service will operate in a one-way loop around Cambusbarron and still operate around Gillies Hill.

Changes to the C12 service will see a direct route for Balfron, Buchlyvie, Kippen and Gargunnock passengers to Stirling, reducing the journey time by up to 11 minutes.

The service will operate in a one-way loop around Cambusbarron and but not around Gillies Hill.

Stirling council’s environment convener Jim Thomson said: “These bus routes are often the only means of transport some of our residents have and if they don’t help them get to where they need to go then that has to change.

“We’ve consulted with passengers, worked hard to redevelop the routes and, while they won’t start until next year, I’m sure the community will be happy once they’re up and running.”

Forth and Endrick councillor Alistair Berrill said: “These changes have taken far too long to get in place but at least passengers on these vital services will, from the new year, have a quicker and more efficient journey.

“However, what is very disappointing is that the connections with Glasgow services at Balfron has still not been addressed.

“I urge First Bus to get this sorted out and the council to apply maximum pressure that they do so. No wonder passenger numbers are falling when the routes are unattractive or you cannot get a connection.”

Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl said: “It’s the persistent campaign waged by a number of dedicated people in these communities that has finally bought about these sensible changes.

“They have kept up the pressure, making sure the problems that undermine the routes are tackled.

“Let’s not get carried away with this while there are many wider public transport issues that still remain, such as getting same day and weekend bookings for the demand responsive transport service and increasing bus provision.”

There are many wider public transport issue that still remain