SPT News
Passengers in Ayrshire and Renfrewshire benefit from new buses.
New buses for Ayrshire and Renfrewshire
October 12, 2009 16:42 UKNewsVital bus services in the west of Scotland have received a £475,000 boost following the purchase of six new vehicles by SPT.
The buses are among 21 new vehicles for use on services specifically tailored for elderly or disabled passengers, or for those who live in rural areas poorly serviced by public transport.
The new vehicles are extremely fuel-efficient, have accessible low floors and can carry up to four wheelchairs. They are also small enough to navigate narrow streets and rural roads.
Three of the buses will be operated by Kilwinning-based firm Shuttle Buses on behalf of SPT. They will be used on the Kilmarnock Dial-A-Bus (service M14), Irvine Valley Ring'n'Ride (service 500) and the East Ayrshire (service M1).
Another three will used on the M91 Glasgow South West Dial-a-Bus service and operated by Slaemuir Coaches.
SPT has saved almost £1.6m in contract costs by leasing the vehicles to bus operators, in comparison to old-style Demand Responsive Transport contracts, where the operators provided their own vehicles.
Councillor Alistair Watson, Chair of SPT, said: "By supplying the vehicle and leasing it to the operator, passengers are assured of journeys on the latest model low floor buses that are environmentally friendly and fuel efficient.
"The purchase of these new buses is good news all round. We're determined to continue to make a step change in the quality of our vehicles at an affordable price that delivers savings for the public purse."
David Granger, managing director of Shuttle Buses, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with SPT to deliver these bus services in East Ayrshire. Dial-a-Bus and Ring'n'Ride services are a great concept and I'm sure passengers will be really pleased with the new buses."
Samuel McPherson, managing director at Slaemuir Coaches Ltd, added: "The new vehicles are fantastic and I'm sure our passengers will be delighted."
