A NEW bus service connecting Dunfermline to Stirling via Alloa has commenced this week.

The X22 service, launched by Stagecoach, started on Monday, July 29 and aims to connect commuters on the inter-city route hourly.

This service will run seven days a week and offers residents a direct route to Stirling, allowing them to easily connect with the University of Stirling.

The first X22 will leave Dunfermline at 6.45am, calling at Oakley, Blairhall and Alloa before moving onto Stirling.

Douglas Robertson, managing director from Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “Service X22 offers new and improved travel opportunities for commuters, students and leisure travellers between Dunfermline, West Fife and Stirling, including travel to Springkerse Retail Park, up to every hour.

“We look forward to seeing customers benefit from low-cost tickets, improved journey times and increased frequencies in the area.”

The last return journey will leave Stirling for Dunfermline at 6.30pm from Monday to Friday.

Students attending the university will be dropped off at Stirling Rail Station and can connect to the Midland Bluebird’s Unilink service for onward service to the campus.

A new ticket has been introduced, offering those travelling between Alloa and Stirling a return journey for £5.50, and can be bought from the driver on the day.

The X22 was initially brought in as a replacement for the 8/8A service, which ran the same route but also called at Kincardine and Clackmannan.

The X22 route will cut out these portions of the route, but Stagecoach and Fife Council have confirmed that the 8/8A will continue to run.

This was made possible after the local authority took over the service, with Stagecoach winning the tender to continue providing the service.

Stagecoach have confirmed the 8/8A will run from August 19 until March 31, 2025, while the bus company will work with Fife Council to monitor usage to determine what level of service will be provided in the area in the future.