Council investigating new bus service for rural Fife villages

The bus operator will stop its St Andrews-Stirling service towards the end of month, despite concerns for residents in the rural villages it serves Local politicians called for the decision to be reversed, but Stagecoach noted that the service had ‘underperformed’.

Now, the local authority has confirmed it in holding discussions with other operators and its own supported bus network to see if there is the possibility of creating a timetable to serve Gateside, Strathmiglo, Auchtermuchty and Kinross.

Convener of the council’s Economy, Tourism, Strategic Planning and Transportation Committee, Altany Craik said: “While it is unlikely that a direct link from St Andrews to Stirling can be re-established the council is in discussions with other operators and is looking at its own supported bus network to see if there is the possibility of providing a timetable which offers some form of connection between Gateside, Strathmiglo and Auchtermuchty with Kinross.

“It should be stressed that these discussions are at an early stage and that the council’s budget for supporting bus services is already under pressure so there can be no guarantees.”

MSP Mark Ruskell said he “welcomed the news”, but added: “Sadly though, while public transport continues to be run for private profit incidents like this will continue to happen and communities will suffer for it.

“The successful Lothian Buses model proves that truly public transport can work. People in Fife deserve better than being left isolated because of the whims of private shareholders.”