A PILOT scheme to link Luss with Lochgoilhead, Tarbet and Arrochar could be in operation by the end of June 2027.
Councillors and community figures have heard of the proposal by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park chiefs, who have been driven by the success of the Trossachs Explorer programme.
Water transport in the national park is also being considered as part of an ongoing project by the park authority.
Emily Davie, national park mobility partnerships manager, gave a presentation to Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group at its meeting on Tuesday, November 10.
She said: “There are two opportunities in the Argyll and Bute area that the national park is developing this year. The first is a study looking at water transport.
“This was identified through work done in 2023 to look at options for sustainable transport, and it was apparent that water has a role to play.
“This is to assess opportunities for water buses and water taxis, and from there we can assess the viability from the operating costs.
“The second is a pilot shuttle bus service which we hope we will deliver next summer, connecting Luss with Tarbet, Arrochar, Ardgartan and Lochgoilhead.
“This is based on the Trossachs Explorer, which we have done over the last two years, and has now been taken on by Stirling Council.
“It has really demonstrated the appetite, but also the impact on social wellbeing, and access to employment and volunteering opportunities. It has also built an evidence base for what we are trying to do.
“We are trying to secure an operator and funding by March to enable service to start by the end of June.”
Councillor Iain S Paterson (SNP, Lomond North) said: “I have been advocating this for a good while. It almost got put in place, but was getting a bus operator how things changed?
“I believe when you put it out for tender, there were only one or two, and when you offered the contract the operator selected withdrew.
“I have seen how successful it is in east Loch Lomond and it is very much needed in west Loch Lomond. If it is successful, do you intend to make it all year round?”
Ms Davie said: “We delivered the Trossachs Explorer for 13 weeks and the council has now taken it on, and are delivering it all year round. The frequency has reduced but they are running it over winter for the first time.
“SPT (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport) run a bus network within West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute and this would not be competition with them. We have a lot of services in this area of the park.
