Campaigners have called on First Bus to mount an “eleventh hour” U-turn to reinstate a threatened bus service set for closure in the New Year.
The X53 service, which links Stirling and Kinross, has been placed under threat by the bus operators due to issues with recruiting enough drivers to operate the route.
The fate of the service was discussed in a debate on rural bus services at the Scottish Parliament led by Green MSP Mark Ruskell - and a petition aiming to save the X53 gathered more than 560 signatures.
However, despite the pressure in recent weeks, First Bus bosses confirmed earlier this week that the X53 is still set for cancellation on January 10.
The bus company also outlined that Perth and Kinross Council may be able to fund a partial replacement of the route between Tillicoultry and Kinross.
Mr Ruskell’s Green colleague, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache, told the Observer: “I appeal to First Bus even at the eleventh hour not to axe the X53 service.
“We are just approaching 2022 and yet we are going in the opposite direction to what is needed, more public transport and less cars.
“Communities depend on this vital link. The Scottish Government should step in and find a way of preserving this service.”
Following the latest update from First Bus, Mr Ruskell said: “Like other campaigners across Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Kinross, I am disappointed to hear that First Bus are going ahead with the cancellation of the X53 in January 2022.
“The impact of losing the X53 is severe. We’re talking about vulnerable people being further isolated from essential services, young people losing their independence, and people being forced to use private cars exactly at a time when we need to be reducing car kilometres.
“Perth and Kinross Council stepping in to provide a replacement route between Tillicoultry and Kinross is a faint silver lining. But it’s clear that we’re just papering over the cracks of a broken system."
