The Environment, Transport and Net Zero committee yesterday (Thursday, 28 August 2025) recognised the performance of the C60 service, which currently operates four return journeys from Monday to Saturday along the A84 corridor.
Proposals for an amended timetable, with an additional daytime journey during the week, has now been submitted to the Traffic Commissioner for approval following feedback from residents and visitors, with the aim of introduction from mid-September.
Stirling Council agreed in May 2024 to launch the C60 service for an initial two-year pilot period after the previous operator withdrew from its contract, citing challenges with driver recruitment.
To the end of June 2025, a total of 7,680 passengers had used the C60, a 16 seat minibus that also serves communities such as Strathyre and Lochearnhead.
During its first 12 months in operation, the C60 came in approximately £20,000 under its annual budget of £84,500, which allowed the Council flexibility to propose the daytime service to meet community demand.
Punctual
Cllr Jen Preston, convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero committee, said: “We took a major step in bringing the C60 in-house. We did not have a statutory obligation to provide the bus service, but it was the right thing to do for our communities along the A84 corridor.
“The service is punctual, well used and well-loved and feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with 92 per cent of passengers being very satisfied, satisfied or neutral about the service.
“We have been working closely with our communities along the route to ensure the pilot service meets their needs. We acknowledge there has been a strong demand from residents for a timetable improvement to include a daytime service and this is now in the process of being introduced, particularly in light of the budget performance.
“We will continue to monitor the success and performance of the C60 as we consider continuing the service beyond its initial two-year pilot period to the summer of 2026.”
The C60 employs three part-time drivers and operated every Monday to Saturday in its first 12 months, with the exception of Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays – and on two days when severe weather warnings were in place.
Feedback from local residents includes: “Unfortunately, my mum has dementia and is in a care home in Stirling and if the C60 didn’t operate from Killin to Callander I don’t know what I would do.”
Another said: “Great service. I was caught out with car troubles and thankfully could catch the C60 bus home or I would have been stranded.”
One passenger said: “My fellow neighbours and I use it evert day to get to school, work and healthcare. The bus drivers are helpful, welcoming and kind and I know a lot of people who appreciate that service.”
Another added: “The times are better on a Saturday as there is a bus at lunchtime and it would be better if there was a bus at this time during the week also.”
The popularity of the C60 bus service is also matched by The Trossachs Explorer, the sustainable bus service promoted by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority. The connectivity of both services allows residents and visitors to access communities from Killin to Balloch, including Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle, Brig O’ Turk and Kilmahog.