Auchterarder Town Bus – service 49 improvements

Auchterarder Community Bus Group (ACBuG) are pleased to confirm that the Auchterarder Town Bus Service is to be enhanced.

From Monday, 06 November 2023 the Town Bus Service will operate four days a week, up from its current two-day a week timetable. The days of operation – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – were decided upon following a survey of users, together with feedback received from local community groups. There will be no changes to the journeys operated each day or to the route of the bus.

Andrew Warrington, Chair, ACBuG, commented “ACBuG are very grateful for recent funding awards from Friends of St Margaret’s and the Council’s Warm Welcome Fund that have enabled the extra days to be operated.”

He also highlighted “Trustees are pleased that regular passengers benefit from the four-day operation, but we are very keen to encourage new passengers.  The Town Bus has seen significant growth in average daily usage over the last nine months and ACBuG now need to maintain that positive position following the introduction of the improved timetable.” 

Neil Anderson, ACBuG Treasurer commented “A fully updated timetable leaflet is being produced which will be available on the Town Bus and from several local outlets.  The timetable will also be promoted via social media and on local websites.”

Linked to the improved Service 49 timetable, Neil emphasised that “ACBuG continues to offer assistance and advice to people who are not too sure about using the Town Bus.  ACBuG trustees are happy to accompany locals on their initial journeys on the Town Bus; all the person needs to do is telephone us on 07823 406159 or e-mail acbug2018@gmail.com.”

The Town Bus is available for use by everyone irrespective of age or mobility.  Most holders of National Entitlement Cards, including young people under 22 years of age, will travel free of charge.  Other passengers will pay £1.20 per trip.

Looking ahead, Andrew Warrington noted “ACBuG trustees have worked hard to try and secure a longer term, sustainable future, for the Town Bus and our efforts will be assisted greatly as more people choose to use the bus for getting around Auchterarder.   Even for locals with a car, the Town Bus is a convenient, environmentally positive, way to get to the shops and cafes in the Town Centre avoiding the challenges of parking.”