Stirling Council announces pilot of two new rural bus services
Stirling Council is launching a two-year pilot of two new bus services to improve connections between rural communities in the western part of the council area.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 16 March 2026 12:34
Pictured outside Menzies Hall on Fintry Main Street are representatives of some of the communities along the new C61 and C62 routes with Cllr Alasdair Tollemache and Stirling Council Officers to help promote the launch of the new services. Picture credit: Stirling Council/Whyler Photos.
The new in-house services will be called the C61 and the C62 and will start operating on Monday 30 March.
They will build on the current C60 pilot (that runs between Callander and Killin) and will operate on the following routes:
• C61: Callander -Thornhill - Port of Menteith - Aberfoyle (with bookable/on demand journeys between Aberfoyle and Kinlochard).
• C62: Croftamie – Drymen – Balfron Station – Balfron – Fintry – Kippen.
Both services will use all recognised bus stops along these routes and will link to existing public transport provision following feedback from recent public consultations in this area.
Later journeys have been added to help accommodate young people attending after-school clubs and other activities.
The new services will replace existing demand responsive transport (DRT) services between these communities. Pending the success of the pilot, the new service will ultimately replace the current DRT service.
Passengers on both services can pay using debit or credit cards (not Amex). All National Entitlement Cards (NEC) will be accepted. Drivers will be unable to accept cash for fares.
The new services will be funded via existing budget allocations for DRT provision.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, Cllr Alasdair Tollemache said: “The introduction of these new in-house bus services from Monday 30 March will be a major boost for our rural communities in this beautiful part of Stirlingshire, greatly enhancing connectivity.
“They will give residents more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective ways to access essential services, including work, healthcare, schools and nurseries, as well as delivering wider social, economic and environmental benefits.
“We have engaged with local communities as we have developed the pilot so that the new services work for as many people as possible. Flexibility has been built in by combining scheduled services with demand-responsive options, and we have also maximised the links with the wider public transport network.
“During the two-year pilot we will monitor the C61 and the C62 services and continue our dialogue with our communities, as we have done for the C60 service. This will allow us to discuss whether any improvements are required to better meet the needs of local people and how to maximise other opportunities presented by the new services.”
Fintry Community Council has worked closely with Stirling Council and other partners to support the development of the service and welcomes this important milestone.
Michele Bennett, Chair of Fintry Community Council, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our village and something the community has wanted for many years.
“Having a regular bus service will make a real difference to people’s lives — particularly for those who don’t drive, our young people, and older residents. It will give people more independence and help keep our rural community connected.
“The whole community is very excited about the new service. We will continue to work with Stirling Council and partners to explore opportunities to extend the service in the future, including the possibility of weekend routes.”
Sharon Telfer from Strathard Development Trust said: “The new bus service running between Callander and Kinlochard will be a huge boost for residents of Strathard, opening up opportunities for people to meet friends and socialise.
“With a timetable that works alongside after-school activities, it will allow our young people to take part, knowing they can get home safely on the bus.”
For more information on the new C61 and C62 services, including timetables, and how to use the DRT system, visit: www.stirling.gov.uk
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