Several bus routes in Fife have been saved after they risked the axe by Stagecoach.
The services will continue after Fife Council intervened when the operator announced plans in August to withdraw them completely.
The council says while the routes may have been unprofitable commercially, they are “socially essential”.
Leader David Ross said the removal would have had a “significant impact” on communities reliant on them.
The council-run services will begin November 7, with timetables posted at bus stops along the routes.
Full list of Fife bus services saved
- Service 14: Dunnikier Estate – Kirkcaldy Bus Station
- Service 36: Glenrothes – Falkland – Newburgh – Perth (Sunday journeys)
- Service 77: Gauldry – Wormit – Newport on Tay – Dundee (Moffat and Williamson to register new route to serve area)
- Service 81: Parkneuk – Dunfermline – Glenrothes
- Service 33: Kirkcaldy – Cardenden – Cowdenbeath – Halbeath P&R – QMH – Dunfermline (early morning, evening and Saturday and Sunday journeys withdrawn or curtailed at Cowdenbeath)
Mr Ross said: “The removal of these services would have a significant impact on the local communities, particularly those who rely on public transport.
“In turn, the council stepped in and tendered for alternative, replacement services.
“We are committed to creating a fairer Fife and supporting those hardest hit by the cost of living crisis.
“The services maintained will reassure people in our communities that where there is a social need, the council will take whatever steps it can to support the provision of essential transport, including bus services.
“By stepping in the main impacts of the changes proposed by commercial service have hopefully been avoided.”
Timetables will also be made available on the Traveline Scotland website.
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