A call has been made for a better bus service between Crieff and Perth as changes to timetables have resulted in commuter fares doubling. Since April 2026, modifications to local bus routes have left one commuter paying almost double the bus fare due to two different bus companies now operating their journey to and from Perth.
Background of the Changes
On Monday, April 20, 2026, the 615 service from Braco – Crieff – St John’s Academy began operating on school days only and is now run by Docherty’s Midland Coaches instead of Stagecoach. This shift has directly impacted commuters’ costs.
Impact on Commuters
One commuter explained: “Splitting between Docherty’s and Stagecoach means that you can now no longer buy a Dayrider with Stagecoach, or if you previously used a South Perthshire and Kinross 28-Day Megarider, you can now no longer use it to board the 615, due to it being operated by Docherty’s. This leaves your only option being to purchase a single with Docherty’s at £4.90 in the morning, and then purchase another single with Stagecoach at £5.40 on the way home. If you’re commuting in five days a week that brings your total transport cost for the month to £206, versus the £112.30 you’d be paying if you were able to use a Megarider with Stagecoach.”
The 615 service does not operate during school holidays, forcing commuters to take the earlier number 15 Stagecoach bus, which leaves Hill Street in Crieff at 0710 and arrives in Perth at 0759 — a full hour before most people’s working day starts. According to one passenger, “on any given day the general commuters using the bus actually outnumber the schoolchildren.”
Council and Operator Responses
Perth and Kinross Council has stated it will continue to work with bus companies “to ensure that the needs of residents remain central to future transport planning and decision-making.” A PKC spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work with Stagecoach and other operators to maintain access to public transport in the Crieff area wherever possible. We will continue to engage with Stagecoach and internal stakeholders to explore further mitigation measures, prioritise targeted interventions where they can make a difference, and ensure that the needs of residents remain central to future transport planning and decision-making. Passengers can save money on fares by purchasing multi-journey options from operators rather than individual tickets each day.”
A spokesperson for Stagecoach South Scotland said: “We understand the frustrations raised by commuters regarding recent changes to the 615 service between Crieff and Perth. Following the recent competitive tendering process managed by Perth and Kinross Council, the contract for the 615 school-day service was awarded to another operator. As Stagecoach no longer operates this contract, we unfortunately no longer have the dedicated vehicle available to run the equivalent school holiday journey. We understand the impact that changes to timetables and ticketing can have on daily commuters. Because the 615 is a contracted service, all enquiries regarding the specific design of the tendered network, future service provisions, and any multi-operator ticket acceptance arrangements are best directed to Perth and Kinross Council as the contracting authority. Stagecoach remains committed to providing affordable travel options across our commercial network, including our regional Megarider and Dayrider tickets, which continue to offer value for passengers travelling on Stagecoach-operated services.”
