A proposed peak time bus service to help more Fife commuters get to Edinburgh in time for work has been welcomed.
Bus operator Stagecoach has bowed to public pressure and is set to introduce an hourly service between Kirkcaldy and the capital, via Kinghorn, Burntisland and Aberdour.
However, a warning has been given that people must “use it or lose it” as the service is not subsidised by Fife Council.
The hourly service will begin on Monday, February 21, and will mainly operate between Kirkcaldy and the Ferrytoll park and ride, although at peak times journeys will be extended to Edinburgh.
The news has been hailed by local councillor George Kay, who has campaigned for a direct service to Edinburgh from the villages for five years.
“Anybody trying to take a bus from Kinghorn, Burntisland or Aberdour to Edinburgh or the airport at the moment would have to have their head examined,” he said.
“You would have a mammoth journey and would be very uncomfortable, and you would probably have to change at Dalgety Bay.
“This new service will start in the middle of February and at peak times there will be a bus coming through the villages to Edinburgh, and at other times to Ferrytoll. This means a frequent service to Edinburgh and a frequent service to the airport.”
Mr Kay said the change meant those who felt they had been disadvantaged by increased charges to the concessionary rail pass could now use their bus pass to get to Edinburgh for nothing.
He added, “This is not a subsidised service so it’s use it or lose it. Stagecoach are putting on the bus so if it’s popular they’ll keep it and may even expand it.”