Midland Bluebird Launches New National Park Bus Link To Drive Down Emissions And Congestion
Popular Loch Lomond destinations including Ben A’an and Ben Ledi can now be accessed via a new designated bus service which has launched this week for the summer months ahead.
The Trossachs Explorer is designed to help people get around the Trossachs whilst reducing emissions, congestion and parking issues.
McGill’s Bus Group-owned Midland Bluebird will run the Trossachs Explorer in partnership with Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. The company has invested a total of £55million in electric fleet since the end of 2021, placing it in the top three companies in the UK for fleet decarbonisation.
The Trossachs Explorer will operate services between Balfron, Aberfoyle and Callander during the peak summer months and will stop at several popular visitor locations on the route, including Loch Katrine, Ben A’an and Ben Venue. The seven day a week service will link with services from Stirling and Glasgow to allow visitors from those cities to make the full journey without a car.
McGill’s Bus Group Managing Director, Alex Hornby, said: “This new partnership with the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is a prime example of how we work in partnership to deliver sustainable transport solutions across all our communities throughout Scotland. Through our operation of the new Trossachs Explorer, Midland Bluebird is well placed to help reduce dependence on the car and reduce the impact of harmful emissions in this remarkable area of natural beauty.”
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “This is a great example of action for climate that also provides tangible benefits for people and businesses. If Scotland is to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030, we need an efficient, inclusive rural transport sector that meets the needs of both visitors and residents.”
“Tackling the dominance of car travel in the National Park is hugely important for reducing emissions but it will also open up leisure, employment and education opportunities for more people, particularly young people and those who either don’t have access to a car or prefer to use public transport. We also know from businesses in the National Park how important it is to have public transport options for staff.”
The Trossachs Explorer will run between Aberfoyle and Callander during the peak summer months (1st July – 30th September) and will stop at a number of popular visitor locations: The Lodge (Queen Elizabeth Forest Park), Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A’an, Brig o’ Turk and Kilmahog for access to Ben Ledi.
Buses will run seven days a week, with up to eight services a day. The service will allow visitors and residents unlimited daily travel in the Trossachs area of the National Park with a ‘day saver’ ticket for £5.95. Under 22s and over 60s can also travel for free in line with national policy.
The income generated from Trossachs Explorer will be reinvested into future transport initiatives that support more sustainable travel.