Residents to enjoy free bus travel once a month as part of new initiative

Residents within the Perth and Kinross council area will be able to enjoy free bus travel once a month as part of a new government initiative.

Starting from June 1, residents, shoppers and visitors can enjoy free bus travel on the first Saturday of every month.

The initiative, which will last for a year, was agreed as councillors set the 2024/25 budget and elected members agreed to allocate £120,000 for the scheme.

They also agreed an investment of £325,000 over three years to develop a business case for “new models” of public transport.

Designed to encourage people to use local bus services and promote sustainable travel, the news comes in the same week Stagecoach proposed a raft of changes to local bus services.

The free travel will be provided by local bus operators Stagecoach East Scotland, Docherty’s Midland Coaches, Elizabeth Yule, Sweeney’s Garage and Glenfarg Community Transport Group.  

Councillor Grant Laing, Perth and Kinross Council Leader said: “Following the success of the free bus travel in December, I’m delighted we can offer free bus travel first Saturday of every month for the rest of the year, helping families and visitors to our area to travel for free and visit anywhere in Perth and Kinross. 

“This initiative not only encourages sustainable travel but also makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the fantastic events in Perth and Kinross this summer. 

“Those who already benefit from free bus travel should present their cards as normal. 

“Families will be able to travel to events on these dates for free – allowing families to enjoy these events without breaking the bank.” 

Councillor Richard Watters, convener of the council’s climate change and sustainability committee added: “Taking public transport is a simple way of reducing carbon emissions and I hope lots of people take this opportunity to get out and about and learn about the benefits of taking the bus.”