The pilot of the ‘Trossachs Explorer’ bus service has come to an end after guiding more than 5,000 passengers on its route through rural Stirlingshire.
The bus service ran between Aberfoyle and Callander seven days a week stopping at The Lodge Visitor Centre (Queen Elizabeth Forest Park), Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A’an, Brig o’ Turk and Kilmahog/Ben Ledi.
It was set for an initial run between between July 1 and September 30, with officials at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – who were behind the pilot – aiming to reduce car usage through the park.
A total of 5,137 passengers took to the route, with National Park chiefs admitting the service had “exceeded expectations” and raised hope of a similar route being run in 2025, subject to funding.
Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The Trossachs Explorer pilot has exceeded our expectations, proving that there’s a clear demand for more sustainable travel options in the Park.
“It has helped to improve access for those without cars, given people a choice and freedom to travel, and has shown that more sustainable, reliable public transport has a key role in our goal of becoming a Net Zero National Park by 2035.
“We’ll now take our learnings from the pilot and work closely with partners and communities through our Mobility Partnership programme to identify future pilots and develop more longer-term sustainable transport options ensuring services meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors while protecting the Park’s natural environment.
Having run seven days a week between key visitor locations, including Aberfoyle and Callander, the Trossachs Explorer aimed to increase access to some of the Park’s most scenic areas without needing a car.
The data on usage has also revealed 52 per cent of passengers travelled for free under the National Concession Card schemes, including young people under 22 and those over 60.
One of the passengers to travel on the Explorer was Alan from Paisley.
He said: “I used the Trossachs Explorer for a day trip to Callander from my home in Paisley, journeying via Glasgow and Aberfoyle on Midland Bluebird X10A.
“As well as the beautiful journey in itself, this allowed me 5 hours in Callander, time to do the 3 Bridges Walk to Dunmore Hill Fort, with time afterwards to have a meal at the Riverside Inn and a potter about the shops in the town.
“As someone who cannot drive a car but who enjoys walking in the great outdoors, I have long been frustrated by the great difficulty I have in accessing many of the most beautiful parts of Scotland due to the lack of bus services in so many rural and scenic areas, and the lack of connectivity with routes into these areas.
“The Trossachs Explorer summer bus has been a very good example of what can be achieved with a bit of joined up thinking. It allowed me to enjoy a day out in a very beautiful part of our country, and also meant I spent money in local businesses.”
National Park officials believe the success of the service has acted as a “proof of concept” for the importance in connecting both visitors and local communities.
Their hopes for the service to return next year were given backing by local politicians.
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl said: “Given the clear evidence and the significant work needed to run the service this year I very much hope the momentum gained so far is not lost.
“It is so important that we see this service return next year and become an established part of the public transport network. I know everyone is facing budget challenges but one has to only hear some of the stories of those that used it to see what a priority services like these must become.”
Meanwhile, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell called for the service to be a step in year-long bus transport for rural residents in the region.
Mr Ruskell said: “The success of the Trossachs Explorer demonstrates clearly just how needed reliable, affordable and accessible bus routes are for locals and tourists.”
“But communities shouldn’t have to solely rely on seasonal services to stay connected. A tourist route that takes the picturesque route through the Trossachs is welcome, but we also need a regular direct bus connection between Aberfoyle and Callander.
“Folks living in rural Stirlingshire deserve better buses – and I hope bus operators the National Park and Stirling Council work together to plan and improve services for all.”