Stagecoach to introduce Blairgowrie and Perth bus service improvements from August

• Changes will improve reliability and reflect revised school times in Blairgowrie
• Timetable updates and route revisions designed to better match customer travel demand
• Network changes will help deliver a more sustainable and resilient bus service across Perthshire

Stagecoach is introducing a series of service changes across Perthshire that will improve reliability, strengthen key transport links and help ensure the long-term sustainability of local bus services.

The changes will be introduced in two phases, with revised timetables for services in and around Blairgowrie taking effect from Monday 17 August, followed by wider network changes across Perth from Monday 24 August.

In Blairgowrie, revised timetables will be introduced on services 57, 57A, 57U, 59, 71 and 857 following changes to the school day at Blairgowrie High School. Selected journeys on services 57 and 57U have also been revised to improve reliability and better reflect local travel patterns.

As part of the changes, service 57 will now start from South Street and will no longer serve Perth Bus Station, helping to improve punctuality. Service 57A will continue to serve Perth Bus Station, while the afternoon 57U journey will depart Crieff Road at 4.35pm.

Across Perth, the revised network includes additional year-round journeys on services 3, 4 and X51, improved connections on service X58, timetable revisions to improve punctuality, and route changes designed to support more reliable operation.

The service X56 between Perth and Edinburgh will be withdrawn from Monday 24 August following a sustained decline in customer demand, meaning the service is no longer financially sustainable to operate. Customers will continue to have access to frequent direct coach services operated by Scottish Citylink between Perth and Edinburgh, while alternative Stagecoach services will remain available for journeys to destinations including Bridge of Earn and Milnathort.

The changes will allow Stagecoach to focus investment and resources where they will deliver the greatest benefit for customers while supporting a stronger and more sustainable network.

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland, said:

"We are committed to providing a bus network that is reliable, sustainable and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

"The changes in Blairgowrie reflect revised school times and will help improve the reliability of services for customers, while the wider network improvements across Perthshire will strengthen connections and ensure we can continue investing where demand is greatest.

"While we appreciate some customers will be disappointed by the withdrawal of the X56, this is a decision we have taken only after careful consideration. Overall, these changes will help create a stronger, more resilient network that is better aligned with how people travel today and well placed to serve local communities into the future."

Customers are encouraged to check the updated timetables before travelling. Full details of all service changes are available on the Stagecoach website and Stagecoach Bus App.