Sustainable bus service to resume in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park this summer

Daily Record

25-06-2025

The Trossachs Explorer bus service is set to return to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park this summer - and will be bigger and better than ever
A popular eco-friendly bus service is set to make a comeback in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for the bustling summer period.
The Trossachs Explorer service will run from Monday, July 7, until Sunday, October 5, following a successful 2024 pilot that saw over 5,000 passengers use the bus.
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This year's enhanced service builds upon comprehensive feedback and evaluation from 2024, with 91% of surveyed passengers expressing their intent to use the shuttle bus again.
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New imnprovements include an extended route, now commencing from Drymen, improved links to existing public transport services, a new local operator, and more accessible buses.
Two modern, low-emission buses will operate seven-days-a-week between Drymen and Callander, making stops at popular tourist spots such as Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi).
The service boasts improved connectivity with synchronised timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times.
All-day tickets will be available at £6 for adults, £3.50 for children and £5.65 for students. Group/family tickets are priced at £16 for up to five individuals and passengers can also opt for a seven-journey saver ticket for £25.
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Those under 22 and over 60 can travel free with a National Entitlement Card.
The Trossachs Explorer service, operated this year by local travel firm McColls, is set to undergo further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of the National Park Authority's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable travel options. The aim is to reduce congestion, alleviate parking pressures, and facilitate connections between visitors, residents, and the National Park's unique environment.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations.
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"The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options.
"Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park."
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Climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Less Waste Laura has praised the return of The Trossachs Explorer service, adding: "I used the service last year, and being able to make my way entirely via public transport from my home in Dundee to enjoy a stunning hike up Ben A'an before hopping on the bus again to enjoy a much-needed coffee in Brig O'Turk, and then making my way home again via Callander was fantastic!
"The Trossachs Explorer is such a strong example of the vital importance of well-connected, sustainable transport in rural areas. Reducing carbon emissions, congestion on roads, car parks and air pollution, while increasing the opportunities for everyone to connect with beauty spots across the National Park – I'm already looking forward to getting back on board this summer."
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Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, stated: "The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to.
"Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities."
Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, expressed his pride in operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, adding: " This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access.
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"Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network."
The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund.