Kirkmichael residents to benefit from new community transport vehicle

In May, the Council committed to purchasing four six to eight passenger seat vehicles to support community transport initiatives.

Funded through the almost £200,000 awarded to Perth and Kinross Council by the Scottish Government's Community Bus Fund, the vehicles will allow communities to run their own local transport services.

The remaining funding will be used to invest in infrastructure to support the use of public and community transport, such as upgrading bus shelters.

The Kirkmichael Community Car Service will be responsible for the new vehicle, which has space for seven passengers.

Councillor Richard Watters, Convener of the Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, presented the keys to the Kirkmichael Community Car Services on Wednesday.

He said: "We've already seen how effective community led transport initiatives can be in Glenfarg and I am sure this will prove to be equally popular with the community in Kirkmichael.

"Working with communities allows us to devise practical alternatives to private car use, helping reduce emissions and creating a greener and more sustainable Perth and Kinross."

Councillor Liz Barrett, Vice-Convener of Climate Change and Sustainability added: "Community transport provides a lifeline for many people, particularly in rural areas and also helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

"Many thanks to all the KCCS volunteers for all that they do."

Angie Souter from the KCSS said: "The car has been a really positive addition to the community. We're a very close community and do our best together.

"The car has opened up more opportunities for local people and gives us transport options we didn't have before. "

The KCCS group is a volunteer led initiative established in July 2023 to provide a Demand Responsive Service (DRT) service as an alternative to the subsidised Mon-Fri off-peak local bus service contract between Blairgowrie, Kirkmichael and Tarvie/Spittal of Glenshee.

Perth and Kinross Council initially provided the group with a four-passenger seat vehicle as a temporary measure while the DRT service was being established.

The provision of a newer seven-passenger seat electric vehicle will better serve the transport needs for the community and offer wider use of the vehicle out with the groups off-peak local bus service commitments.

The availability of a community vehicle resource also helps support groups who experience issues transporting people to their group activities. The vehicle is also available for use by the local resilience group when necessary.

KCCS will also be providing local journeys during the closure of the A93 at Bridge of Cally Bridge which has impacted on the local bus service not being able to operate beyond Bridge of Cally.