Campaigners are calling for better bus services between communities at the Tay Bridgehead and St Andrews.
The Stagecoach 99 service currently runs between Dundee and St Andrews every 10 minutes during peak times, taking just 28 minutes to go between the two points.
However, it does not stop on the Fife side of the Tay Bridge, leaving locals to rely on less frequent and slower alternatives.
The situation has been branded “inexcusable” by local Liberal Democrat councillors Jonny Tepp and Tim Brett, who are launching an online petition calling on the transport giant to take heed of demand in the Tay Bridgehead area.
“The Tay Road Bridge Car Park offers a place where the bus service could stop to take on and let off passengers without disrupting the service to St Andrews in a significant way,” explained Mr Tepp.
“Turning off the bridge would add a few minutes to the journey but would still save local people time by providing a regular service to St Andrews.
“Residents work, study and socialise in St Andrews and school pupils want to see their friends at the weekends and holidays.”
Alternative services to St Andrews from Newport typically take 45 minutes or longer, and many involve changing bus.
Bus company bosses have suggested they might be open to changes to their services, if it can be shown that the demand is there. However, the ball may be put back in Fife Council’s court.
Douglas Robertson, Stagecoach East Scotland managing director, said: “We are committed to improving bus services where this is practicable and we have many examples of successfully achieving this in partnership with Fife Council.
“Unfortunately at this stage we would be unable to add a stopping point at the Fife side of the Tay Bridge on route 99 without some infrastructure improvements being made at the South Access Car Park to facilitate bus movements.
“However, we are more than happy to have discussions with councillors and officers to discuss what opportunities there may be.”
