The popular C11 and C12 buses will travel along two reviewed routes from Monday, January 7 following feedback from the public, making it easier to access key locations.
Both services are operated by First Midland Bluebird and subsidised by the Council.
The C11 runs from Aberfoyle via Cambusbarron to Stirling while the C12 bus service runs in the evening from Balfron via Kippen, Gargunnock and Cambusbarron to Stirling.
The Council received feedback from rural communities requesting the C11 route to be reviewed to provide a direct service to Forth Valley College and Stirling City Centre, and a link to the Community Hospital from Cambusbarron.
The C12 was also subject to change following public feedback after rural communities requested the route being reviewed to provide a direct service to Stirling.
The new changes include:
C11 (Aberfoyle – Stirling – Cambusbarron)
• Direct route for Aberfoyle passengers to Stirling reducing the journey time by up to 17 minutes
• Transport links provided to Stirling Community Hospital for off-peak journeys
• Transport links provided to FV College
• Current number of journeys maintained from both Cambusbarron and Aberfoyle
• The service will operate in a circular loop via a one way loop around Cambusbarron and still operate around Gillies Hill
C12 (Balfron – Stirling – Cambusbarron)
• Direct route for Balfron, Buchlyvie, Kippen and Gargunnock passengers to Stirling reducing the journey time by up to 11 minutes
• Current number of journeys maintained
• The service will operate in a circular loop via a one way loop around Cambusbarron and but not operate around Gillies Hill
Cllr Jim Thomson, convenor of the Council’s Environment and Housing Committee, said: “Providing access to key points of Stirling from the rural settings isn’t always straight forward but we have listened to what the communities wanted here.
“These bus routes are often the only means of transport some of our residents have and if they don’t help them get to where they need to go, then that has to change.
“We’ve consulted with passengers, worked hard to redevelop the routes and while they won’t start until next year, I’m sure the community will be happy once they’re up and running.”
Vice convenor of the committee, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “We’re always looking to the community to help shape local service provision, especially when it’s something as important as public transport.
“As the Council subsidise ‘C’ branded services we have worked with First Bus to agree and implement changes that help the community.”
David Phillips, Operations Director for First Scotland East added: “First Scotland East have been delighted to work in close partnership with Stirling Council on these revisions, which will now better suit passenger needs, and I look forward to seeing increased public transport usage in these areas as a result of the changes made.”