Transport giant Stagecoach has been forced into a U-turn over controversial changes to one of its busiest Perthshire services.
The company was heavily criticised by residents in Scone after the number seven run was withdrawn from stops around the park and ride facility at the western edge of the village.
Elderly residents said the reduced number of stops left them “virtually housebound” while students complained they were struggling to get to college on time.
In September 2014, dozens of protesters attended a gathering to show their frustration at the changes.
Now, more than a year on, Stagecoach has confirmed a review of its time-table.
The changes, which come into force on May 30, will see route Seven operate from the city centre via Mansfield Road, Sandy Road, Oakdene Road, Sproutswells Drive and Angus Road, terminating at the Highfield Road bus stop and providing a regular link for residents at the top of the village.
Route seven will now operate up to every 12 minutes Mondays to Fridays and up to 15 minutes on Saturdays and every half-hour on Sundays.
Douglas Robertson, commercial director for Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “We’re pleased to finally be able to address residents’ concerns regarding access in this area.
“In order to meet the additional time requirement to operate this loop, the frequency of service seven needs to be reduced, however the route still operates a frequent timetable during the times of the day most people use these services and this frequency will better match the customer demand we have seen in recent years on this route.”
The move has been welcomed by local councillor Lewis Simpson. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have helped bring about this change of heart by Stagecoach.
“The many bus users who felt they were disadvantaged by this have been very patient.”
He said he expected the new service will be well used.
Meanwhile, Stagecoach-operated Scottish Citylink is under growing pressure to reverse its decision to cut back the busy rural Perthshire service which links Birnam and Dunkeld with central belt cities and Inverness.
Management recently met with residents who are calling for the full service to be reinstated after it was reduced from 10 runs to three-a-day. Campaigners handed over a petition with more than 800 signatures.
However, the company said it could make “no promises” about the future of the service.
