Free bus travel for all in Perth and Kinross in the run-up to Christmas

Residents of Perth and Kinross will enjoy free bus travel in the run-up to Christmas.

The scheme involving five bus operators in the region will allow anyone to travel free of charge.

Free buses will be available each Saturday in the three weeks leading up to Christmas, starting December 10.

Passengers will be able to use any of the buses operated by Stagecoach, Docherty’s Midland Coaches, Elizabeth Yule, Earnside Coaches and Bay Travel

Andrew Parrott, convener of the economic development committee, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on households, but this will make things a bit easier for people to do their Christmas shopping and support retailers, restaurants and other traders, including our local independent ones.

“It also means people can leave the car at home, saving money on fuel and parking and helping cut emissions at the same time.

“This is a fantastic initiative supported by Smarter Choices Smarter Places funding, secured by the council.

“We are working in partnership with local bus companies, who will be reimbursed for the free fares issued on the three Saturdays, to show there are better, more sustainable ways of travel out there than just taking the car.”

The council has confirmed that express coach networks, Megabus, Citylink, Ember, Flixbus, Fisher Tours and Parks of Hamilton are not included.

The scheme runs on Saturdays from December 10.