New Kinross-shire bus service launched after 'lifeline' x53 First Bus route is scrapped

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A new bus service has been set up to serve Kinross-shire in the same week the local “lifeline” x53 route was scrapped. Councillors Richard Watters and Andrew Parrott from Perth and Kinross Council attended this week’s launch of the new 202 bus service from Bay Travel.

It provides residents travel from Kinross to Tillicoultry with much needed access to local services along the route, as well as transport connections on to Stirling.

The new service, paid for by Perth and Kinross Council, will partially replace the First Bus X53 service - which was cancelled on Monday, despite resistance from local communities and politicians.

Those travelling to and from Stirling will need to change onto the number 52 bus at Tillicoultry.The new route will run on reduced hours between 8.30am and 3pm, Monday to Saturday, and is being operated on a trial basis until the end of March 2022.Councillor Richard Watters, SNP Perth and Kinross group spokesperson on the Climate Change Agenda, said: “A reliable bus service for those without access to a private car, and for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, is critical.“This new service fills the gap left by First Group’s withdrawal of the X53 service.“The loss of that service was at a great detriment to the residents of these west Kinross-shire villages, which is why I worked with Bay Travel and council officers to find a new solution.”Both councillors recognise that the present pandemic has made things more difficult for struggling rural bus services and greatly welcome Bay Travel establishing the new 202 service.Cllr Andrew Parrott, SNP Perth and Kinross group spokesperson for environment and infrastructure, said: “Maintaining service along this route will make it easier for young