Across Scotland, a total of £22.5 million has been allocated to local transport authorities to work in partnership with bus operators to kickstart better local services.

From the total fund, in the first round of awards, £12.2 million has been allocated to 27 projects. The scheme provides financial support for up to three years for new or improved bus routes which have the potential to grow.

The hope is that better services will tempt people back on to buses, cutting congestion and pollution.

“Buses are still far and away the most popular form of public transport,” said Mr Stephen. “Over the last four years we have seen passenger numbers increase by almost 8% after decades of slow decline. This new scheme aims to give a major boost to passenger growth by kickstarting new services.”

The Dundee funding will fill the gaps in bus services in the city.

A project, prepared in partnership by Dundee City Council and Strathtay, will provide improved bus services to residents.

Dundee City Council planning and transportation convener, Councillor Fiona Grant, said, “This latest funding will go towards a significant cross-city direct service for the new housing developments in the eastern periphery, such as at Panmurefield.

“This will include the city centre, university, Kingway West retail park, the Technology Park and Ninewells.

“The bid was made in partnership with Travel Dundee and Strathtay and it is hoped the service will be operating from late summer. The funding will also go towards a new bus link road between Ninewells and the Technology Park.”

In Fife, a project prepared in partnership by Fife Council and Stagecoach will receive £350,000 from the Executive’s Bus Route Development Scheme and will provide improved bus services between Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes.

Mr Stephen said, “This funding will deliver new buses, more frequent services and better facilities in the Fife area. This will make a real difference to people who travel between Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes.

The Perth funding will be used to improve bus services in Muirton and North Muirton, with services 5/6 and 9/10 being increased in frequency from every ten minutes to every five minutes.

Passengers will also benefit from ten new, fully accessible, low-floor buses equipped with CCTV security systems and better infrastructure along the route. The improvements are expected to be in place by the end of the year.

Perth Provost Bob Scott said, “We are delighted our bid has been so successful.

“Compiling the bid took many hours and a lot of work between the council and Stagecoach and I think this successful end result is a testimony to that partnership work.”