The 55 Bus from Kinross to Perth via Glenfarg
The 55 Bus – From Kinross to Perth via Glenfarg
In April 2023, Glenfarg Community Transport Group took over the The 55 Bus service between Glenfarg and Kinross. The daytime 56 service operating between Kinross and Perth through Glenfarg had been withdrawn in 2020 and was replaced by the 55 service between Glenfarg and Kinross operated by Earnside Coaches. Due to retirement, the Earnside service ceased in March 2023.
The community in Glenfarg decided to take on running the bus service with ambitions to provide an expanded bus service for the village. Set up as a charity (SC052068), the group entered a Public Social Partnership (PSP) with Perth & Kinross Council and started an hourly timetable of services throughout the day, six days a week. Starting at 0700 in the morning.
In January 2024, it was decided to extend the service north to Perth. From 0845, the bus now operates from Kinross through to Perth via Glenfarg every hour until 1545. Return services from Perth depart at 0930 every hour from Perth Bus Station and every hour from 0935 Mill Street and Scott Street at 0945.
The service operates a flexi-route, “wiggling” off the main route to serve smaller communities -like Duncrievie – and local businesses such as the Village Inn and Caulder’s Garden Centre. Fares are kept low and Young People’s and Over 60s Concession Cards are welcomed.
The service has been well received and passenger numbers have increased. The initial target of 250 passengers per week was achieved early on and now the wee bus carries around 1000 passengers per week. Behind each of these numbers, however, is a story.
“This bus has transformed my life”.
“I couldn’t get to work without the bus”
“I just use the bus for the banter”
“I like coming back from school a bit later than the school bus because I can see my pals”.
Glenfarg Community Transport Group looks forward to delivering this life-line service for many years to come.
55 Bus FAQ’s
Q I will be going to a bookable/request stop but travelling from a regular bus stop. Do I need to book?
A This is not strictly necessary; you can request the driver to take you there. However, if you are also coming back from that request stop, booking is advisable.
Q How much notice do I need to give?
A At least one hour, preferably two. If travelling on the first trip of the day you need to book the day before and if travelling on a Saturday, please book on Friday as the Contact Centre is closed at weekends.
Q Where are the bookable/request stops?
A Duncrievie, Drunzie, The Bein Inn, The Village Inn, Caulders Garden Centre, Sainsbury’s Supermarket, Lochleven Community Campus and Health Centre.
Q Do you take Credit Cards and Concessions?
A Yes, we take most credit cards and Scottish Under 22 and Over 60 concession cards.
Q What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest way to travel is to buy a 10-trip ticket from only £10. No limit on how long it has to be used by and riders can share the ticket. This means that you can travel between Glenfarg and Perth or Kinross for £1 per journey, and between Kinross and Perth for just £2 per journey.
Q How do I become a driver of The 55 Bus?
A Our drivers are a very special breed! We say that our service is not about buses, it is about people. Every passenger we carry has a story to tell about why they use the bus, and our drivers are very sensitive to the needs of our travelling public – they go the extra mile (often literally) to make sure that our wee bus service delivers much more than public transport. Of course, they need to be able to drive well, take fares, run to a schedule. But our drivers are invested in the service and share the responsibility of running it. As our name suggests, we are based in Glenfarg.
If this describes you, please get in touch at transport@glenfarg.org – we keep a list of potential driving ambassadors! We have big plans for the future and maybe you could be part of it…
Q Do you have wheelchair access on your buses?
A We now have three wheelchair accessible buses, and most services are accessible. The only exception is when one of the accessible buses needs servicing and, in these circumstances, a standard non-accessible bus operates. You can book a wheelchair space by contacting the booking line 0845 605 5955. You can also register as a wheelchair passenger and we will endeavour to inform you when the accessible buses are off the road by emailing transport@glenfarg.org
We cannot carry mobility scooters unless they are very compact. Contact us before travelling transort@glenfarg.org
In 2023/24 Glenfarg Community Transport Group has partnered with PAS to develop an Accessible and Sustainable Transport Plan.
