A bus pilot in a Scottish national park has come to an end, having welcomed over 5,000 people during its run from July until the end of September.
Launched by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, the Trossachs Explorer Shuttle Bus ran seven days a week between key visitor locations in the national park, including Aberfoyle and Callander.
The bus made it easier for visitors and locals to access some of the park’s most scenic areas without needing a car, and also linked with services from Stirling and Glasgow to enhance car-free accessibility.
Having exceeded expectations, the hope is that similar public transport services will operate in 2025, subject to appropriate funding being secured.
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The transport pilot is one of the first projects announced as part of the new National Park Partnership Plan which sets out a long-term vision for the national park as a thriving place that is nature positive and carbon negative, with more sustainable transport to and around the Park playing an important part.
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. We hope to see similar public transport services return in 2025, subject to appropriate funding being secured.”
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon said: “The Trossachs Explorer has improved local access and opened up the National Park to a more diverse range of visitors and with more than 5000 people using the service, it demonstrated there is demand for more sustainable travel options.
“We want people to visit our National Parks, but we must make sure we protect their natural beauty and tackle climate change. I am delighted that this pilot was so successful, ensuring that local residents and visitors could still enjoy the most beautiful and remote areas without using their cars.”
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